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January 13, 2012

Building a Practice? Consider Joining LRS

The Columbus Bar Lawyer Referral Service has been helping attorneys build their law practice for over 50 years. The LRS staff answers about 25,000 callers annually, helping to identify a lawyer or two who are likely to be able to advise them about their legal problem. This translates into over $2 million in legal business per year and an opportunity for the 200 plus panel members to build a client base. For most callers, this is the first time they have needed a lawyer and they don’t know where to begin.

LRS is not a reduced fee or pro bono program. The service is designed to help callers find and hire an attorney with the suitable expertise and experience. When appropriate, LRS directs callers to free legal clinics and other pro bono services. (Often LRS panel attorneys also participate in Lawyers for Justice, the association’s pro bono program.)

Along with television advertising, LRS receives a high percentage of calls from social agencies and the courts. Referrals cover every practice area imaginable – adoption to zoning, traffic tickets to murder, slip and fall to wrongful death, sports law or starting a business. LRS is a steady source of calls and potential new clients.

The LRS is not supported through general membership dues but is financed through 15% referral fees; 25% for fees of $100,000 or more. Those who benefit the most, pay the most. There are also annual LRS dues: $400.00 for CBA members with four of more years of experience ($300.00 for three years or less).

Registration is open to any member with a valid license to practice law in Ohio, who is in the full-time practice, and who maintains a minimum of $100,000 professional liability insurance. All applicants are required to disclose any client complaints to a disciplinary body or court.

For more information on joining LRS, contact Marion Smithberger at 614.340.2070 or marion@cbalaw.org.