Not yet a member of KCBA’s Lawyer Referral Service (LRS)? Now is a great time to sign up and reap the many benefits of membership.
KCBA created its referral service in 1961 as a benefit to the community. LRS generates considerable income in support of KCBA’s mission, including its pro bono legal services. Therefore, LRS is a “win-win-win” in that it benefits KCBA, potential clients, and the attorneys who participate on the panels.
Here are some highlights to consider:
- LRS provides potential client leads to attorneys who are members of the relevant practice panels. Attorneys are placed on panels based on their practice area.
- LRS receives an average of 720 calls per month from individuals seeking services from attorneys.
- The three-person LRS staff screens potential client calls and refers the clients to attorneys who handle those matters. Potential clients receive the names of two attorneys on the relevant panel. The potential client makes a choice between the two.
- Approximately fifteen to twenty percent of the calls LRS refers out become retained clients. Clients most commonly request lawyers in the practice areas of family law, tenant law, real estate, and personal injury.
- You only pay for the fees you earn. LRS charges a percentage of fees earned by the representation in a client matter referred by them. This is a great deal, as you are not paying for leads which do not generate income.
- This is also an arrangement that is in compliance with the rules of professional conduct. Pursuant to RPC 7.3, Comment 15, an attorney may pay the usual charges of a legal service plan or not-for-profit lawyer referral service.
LRS has provided me with many excellent clients over the years. It is well worth paying a small fee for a client whose issue has been screened. Currently, LRS is looking for attorneys in the following practice areas:
- personal injury defense;
- condominium law;
- land use;
- tenant issues;
- discrimination in public accommodation;
- civil rights;
- immigration; and
- social security appeals.
If you practice in one of those areas (or even any areas not on this “immediate needs” list), it would be well worth it for you to join. And with the new KCBA website, it’s easy to join by adding LRS to your 2023–24 KCBA membership renewal. Join us!
Seth Rosenberg is the Managing Member of Seattle Litigation Group, PLLC. He currently serves as Chair of KCBA’s Lawyer Referral Service Committee. You can learn more about his employment law practice at www.seattlelitigation.com.
