Lawyer Referral
LRIS Attorney Memberships
Purpose
The Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) of the Bar Association of Baltimore City (BABC) is a service to members of the BABC, as well as a public service. LRIS was formed to assist the public in obtaining qualified legal counsel, to provide general legal information to the public, and to inform the public of other resources that may be able to provide assistance. The BABC’s Lawyer Referral Service meets American Bar Association Standards for lawyer referral services.
Qualifications to Serve on the LRIS Panel
1. The attorney must be admitted to the Court of Appeals of Maryland and pay the annual assessment to the Client Security Trust Fund of Maryland;
2. Have no pending criminal charges involving moral turpitude;
3. Must maintain malpractice insurance of a minimum amount of $100,000;
4. Must Arbitrate fee disputes arising from LRIS referrals through the BABC’s Fee Arbitration Committee;
5. Must Supply update information regarding referrals as requested; Non-compliance will result in suspension from LRIS panel rotation until such update is received;
6. Must abide by minimum qualification and mentor policies as set forth in the LRIS application packet.
Annual Registration and Panel Dues
An annual LRIS registration fee of $135 is charged for BABC members ($85 for new admittees who may avail themselves to the reduced registration fee their first year of practice). The registration fee for non-BABC members is $275. Included in the annual fee is a $35 advertising surcharge.
Mentor Program
The LRIS Mentor Program is designed to provide assistance to attorneys to qualify for referrals and to ensure that the public is receiving representation from a qualified attorney. Attorneys who meet minimum qualifications and are interested in providing mentorship to a less experienced attorney should complete the attached Mentor Sign-Up and return with the LRIS application.
Method of Referral
Telephone Inquiry -- When it is determined by LRIS staff that a referral is necessary, the caller will be given the name of the next attorney in order of rotation who is qualified to represent the client. LRIS will telephone the attorney and inform them of the name and telephone number of the prospective client. A Confirmation Report will be generated and sent to the attorney. All referrals (long distance callers, local callers, walk-in clients, and referrals generated from correspondence sent to LRIS/BABC) will be recorded in the LRIS database.
Case Updates
Attorneys are required to supply, in a timely fashion, updates for each case they are referred. LRIS staff may request updated information for a case at any time.
Application Process
After mailing the completed Registration Sign-up Form with payment, you will receive a welcome packet, giving more detail of LRIS, with sign up forms for panels. In addition, a brief telephone interview in take place as a final step in the application process
Downloadable Membership Forms:
Registration Sign-Up Forms
LRIS Rules
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