L AWYER R EFERRAL S ERVICE Were from the Clearwater Bar and were - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

L AWYER R EFERRAL S ERVICE We’re from the Clearwater Bar and we’re here to help!

L AWYER R EFERRAL S ERVICE Lawyer Referral Service Attorney Standards  Member in good standing with The Florida Bar.  Member in good standing with the Clearwater Bar.  No pending or past disciplinary actions with any Bar.  Maintain a minimum of $100,000 professional liability insurance.  Abide by the rules & regulations of the LRS.  Maintain an office in Pinellas County to meet clients.

L AWYER R EFERRAL S ERVICE How does a client get a referral?  Lawyer Referral Service is available by phone only.  Telephone the Lawyer Referral Service.  Explain your legal issue.  Pay $50 by credit card to receive a referral and up to a 30- minute consultation.  Contact the lawyer to make an appointment.  Keep the appointment for the consultation.  Determine if you wish to hire the attorney.  Additional fees will be incurred for attorney services exceeding the initial consultation.

L AWYER R EFERRAL S ERVICE Are there any free consultations given?  Bankruptcy Chapter 7 & Chapter 13  Labor & Employment Law  Medical Malpractice  Personal Injury  Social Security  Workers’ Compensation Additional fees may apply to engage representation.

L AWYER R EFERRAL S ERVICE B UILDING Y OUR P RACTICE & S ERVING THE C OMMUNITY What areas of law are represented by Lawyer Referral Service?

L AWYER R EFERRAL S ERVICE What if the client can’t afford an attorney?  LRS has a Low Fee Program.  Areas of law may be limited.  Designed for households at 200% of the federal poverty level.  Attorneys have agreed to take cases for no more than $75/hour.  Clients complete financial information.  The client pays $25 by credit card to receive a referral and up to a 30-minute consultation.  The client pays $75/hour for further representation.

L AWYER R EFERRAL S ERVICE What if the client can’t afford Low Fee?  Self-Help Center – For help filling out forms for Family Law, Landlord/Tenant and Consumer Issues:  727-464-5150  Bay Area Legal Services – For limited areas of law:  1-800-625-2257  Gulfcoast Legal Services – For limited areas of law:  727-443-0657

L AWYER R EFERRAL S ERVICE How can you reach Clearwater Bar?  Clearwater Bar Staff:  727-461-4869  Clearwater Bar Lawyer Referral Service – available by phone only:  727-461-4880

L AWYER R EFERRAL S ERVICE How can you help?  Distribute LRS business cards.  Distribute LRS flyers.  Call Clearwater Bar when more cards or pads are needed.

L AWYER R EFERRAL S ERVICE Thank You!