LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE

Application (.pdf format)

Application (.doc format)

LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE PROCEDURES

1. The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is available to anyone who needs an attorney and does not have one. When an individual has a legal problem and needs the advice of legal counsel, the individual may call the LRS office of the New London County Bar. When a potential client contacts the LRS, a staff member first explains the service offered to the public and advises that a $25.00 referral fee is charged, (with the exception of Personal Injury, Workers Compensation and Social Security disability cases).

2. The $25.00 referral fee will cover the client's first one-half hour consultation with a participating attorney.

3. If the client would like an appointment scheduled, the LRS staff member conducts a preliminary interview to determine the type of problem and obtain enough information to enable staff to select the appropriate attorney from their files.

4. Following the preliminary interview, the client is advised the LRS will schedule an appointment with a qualified attorney who practices in the area of client's legal issue and with consideration for geographic concerns.

5. The attorney's office shall collect the referral fee from the client prior to the consultation with the attorney. In the event the LRS has scheduled a phone consultation, the referral fee is prepaid to the LRS office and the attorney is notified. The client is entitled to his or her one-half hour office or over the phone consultation with the appropriate attorney selected.

6. After the client's request to have an appointment scheduled, the LRS staff member proceeds as follows:

a) On a rotation basis, the LRS staff member checks the attorney's file in the proper category and geographic area. The attorney's office is called and the client's name, telephone number and brief facts as to the type of problem are provided.

b) Once the time and appointment date are made with the attorney's office, the client is then notified. If an attorney or his scheduling secretary is unavailable to make the appointment when we call, please try to return the call to the LRS office as soon as possible, otherwise, we will move on to another attorney.

c) Once an appointment has been made, an Original Status Report will be mailed to the attorney. LRS guidelines require that this form must be completed and returned to the LRS office within 2 weeks.

7. The LRS retains the name, address and phone number of the client for its records. It reserves the right to communicate directly with the client for the purpose of determining client satisfaction.

DO'S AND DON'TS

DO refer the client back to the LRS if we have erred in referring the client to your office.
DO please remember that the LRS staff members are not attorneys and cannot give any legal advice.
DO collect the $25.00 referral fee. Please remember, that if the client keepsthe appointment and the fee is not collected, then you are responsible for the fee.

DON'T consult with a client by phone unless prearranged by the LRS.
DON'T collect the $25.00 fee for Personal Injury, Workers Compensation and Social Security. In these cases, the $25.00 fee is waived.