Vol. 73, No. 5, May 2000

Managing Risk

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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.