What Kind of Bang Am I Getting for My Buck With the Lrs?

• Publication year: 2010
• Pages: 0048
• Citation: Vol. 71 No. 1 Pg. 0048

What Kind of Bang Am I Getting for My Buck with the LRS?
Vol. 71 No. 1 Pg. 48
The Alabama Lawyer
JANUARY, 2010

By Renee Avery, LRS secretary

Why join the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service? What can I expect for my investment? What can the LRS do for me that I can't do myself? How many calls will I have to take before I get an actual client? What kind of client needs to call for a referral? Are the clients that call wanting a free attorney? These are some of the questions asked by attorneys. We have the answers.

Every attorney from the solo practitioner to the partner in the big firm could benefit from the LRS program. Last year, the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service received over 9,000 callers requesting a referral. Of these 9,000 calls, approximately 7,000 received a referral.

All callers are first screened by LRS staff before a referral is made to an attorney.

■ The LRS provides fast, efficient referrals via a specially modified database system.

■ Referrals are made using criteria based on area of law and geographic preferences to provide a mutually beneficial match to both the attorney and client.

■ The proceeds from the percentage-fee program will be used to fund the service, increase LRS promotions and networking and advertise the service.

■ The LRS provides the groundwork to build clientele.

■ The LRS has a targeted marketing plan to reach the public.

■ We are better than a billboard! When people call our line, they talk to someone in person who gives your information to potential clients!

■ You receive your referrals via e-mail (unless you choose otherwise) within an hour of the potential client calling the service.

■ We advertise in the Yellow Pages of almost every county to help you get potential clients.

■ Our rate is only $100 per year! Nowhere else can you spend such a small amount of money and get such a great return.

■ You become a part of a great public service program.

How many referrals will I get through the LRS?

Do you speak Spanish? Do you practice family law? How far are you willing to travel? The number of referrals a member receives varies widely depending on a number of factors. The more flexibility you have usually means more referrals.

Many attorneys are skeptical at the type of client they would get from the Lawyer Referral Service. Some think that an individual who really needs an attorney would be able to...