April 1, 2015 – At some point in their lives, most people come into contact with the legal system, but many people do not know how to get legal help and find the resources they need. Through the State Bar’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS), attorneys are connected with prescreened clients who are looking for assistance.
“LRIS is the connection between people who need legal representation and attorneys looking to increase their client base,” says LRIS Committee chair Janice Bensky of Madison. “LRIS offers attorneys an easy way to serve the public, but also is ideal for attorneys who lack the time to market their services. The State Bar prescreens LRIS referrals and matches attorneys with clients in their geographic area and their areas of practice – saving lawyers even more time. It’s a win-win situation for both clients and attorneys.”
Attorneys are especially needed in more rural counties; however, attorneys statewide are encouraged to register for the service. While the highest percentages of callers need administrative, consumer, criminal, family, real property, torts, labor, bankruptcy, estate planning, and business law help, LRIS seeks attorneys in all practice areas.
How LRIS Works
Lawyers who register can join two pools of referrals – phone and internet. Forty percent of all referrals come from the LRIS website, and LRIS staff screen more than 32,000 phone calls each year.
Experienced LRIS legal assistants evaluate callers’ needs and then either refer them to an attorney, a community or government resource, or the Lawyer Hotline, or answer basic questions.
Participation in LRIS Online is optional and included with LRIS registration at no additional charge. Users access LRIS through WisBar.org and receive referrals by selecting a legal practice area and geographic location. As with LRIS’s telephone referral service, online referrals are made on an impartial, county-by-county, rotation basis with both types of referrals. Clients contact attorneys directly to set up appointments.
Join Now and Receive Special Discounts
- Pay the yearly $95 fee now and your registration is valid through June 2016
- Pay for two years save an additional 10 percent: cost is $171 for registration through June 2017
- Lawyers admitted to practice between July 1, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2015, can join for $75 for registration through June 2016
- Lawyers admitted to the Bar in 2015 can join for $45 through June 2016.
Over the past five years, LRIS referrals have generated $11,322,730 in fees for our member lawyers, and the average payment received by a LRIS member for an accepted case is about $1,270.
Visit the State Bar’s website, WisBar, to register or to download a registration form.
For more information, contact the State Bar at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6131.
