Managing
Risk
Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory Lists 850 Lawyers
Willing to Share Their Expertise
If you've ever looked across your desk at clients, realizing you had
no idea where to find answers to their questions, turn to the
Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory.
The State Bar's Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory, located on page 649 of
the 2000 Wisconsin Lawyer Directory, lists more than 850
lawyers who have agreed to share their knowledge in various areas of the
law with other lawyers through brief telephone conversations. The
directory lists lawyers alphabetically and by location and legal
topic.
Lawyers listed in the directory are creating a network among
attorneys that can lead to greater competence within the profession and
better delivery of legal services to the public.
Because the attorneys have volunteered their time, limit calls to 10
or fewer minutes. If you are calling long distance and must leave a
message, advise the volunteer to return your call collect. Identify
yourself as an attorney who is using the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory, and
don't ask your secretary or assistant to call for you.
The purpose of a lawyer-to-lawyer consultation is to steer you in the
right direction. Good questions to ask volunteers include: Am I in over
my head? Is this issue more complex than my knowledge of the area
indicates? Do I need to refer the client to someone experienced in this
area?
The directory is a courtesy for lawyers from other lawyers, and
should not be handed to clients as a lawyer referral list. The public
may be directed to the State Bar's Lawyer Referral and Information
Service, (800) 362-9082.
If you are thinking of referring a matter to an attorney listed in
the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory, please first consult the volunteer to
ensure that he or she can accept the referral.
Wisconsin Lawyer