Each year, thousands of people contact the CMBA looking for legal help. The Lawyer Referral & Information Service connects those individuals with attorneys who are ready to serve, while also creating a strong source of potential new clients for participating lawyers.
The LRIS includes both a traditional referral panel and a Modest Means panel for clients who may not qualify for free legal aid but still need more affordable legal services.
Apply Today
Join now to start connecting with new clients.
| Pricing | Regular |
|---|---|
|
Member |
$250 |
|
Non-Member |
$585 |
Requirements
The CMBA Lawyer Referral & Information Service meets the standards set by the Supreme Court of Ohio and the American Bar Association. To learn more, email our LRIS Manager
Modest Means Panel
The LRIS also includes a Modest Means panel that connects qualifying clients with attorneys offering reduced-fee services. These referrals typically come from individuals who do not qualify for free legal aid but still need more affordable legal assistance.
Participation allows attorneys to build experience while helping serve a critical need in the community.
View the Modest Means Panel Guidelines and Application
Email your completed LRIS application, including your experience and insurance information to the LRIS Manager. The CMBA’s LRS Oversight Committee Co-Chairs review and approve LRS applications. Upon approval and payment, you will be added to the LRS & start receiving referrals.
No. The referral and the initial phone consultation with the attorney are free. All fees for legal services provided are determined between the attorney and the client. The LRIS does not refer pro bono or reduced-rate attorneys.
Yes. Please contact the LRIS Manager to suggest new areas of law for referrals.
Per the LRIS Participation Agreement, LRIS attorneys shall provide a free initial consultation to the referred client, provide the CMBA with the updated declarations page from your professional liability insurance policy each year, provide status updates for each referral provided, and pay to CMBA a percentage fee of any legal fees earned in connection with a referred matter.
LRIS attorneys remit 15% of net legal fees earned in connection with any referred matter. Checks, payable to CMBA, may be sent to: CMBA, 1375 E. 9th St., Second Level, Cleveland, OH 44114
Referral fees are paid when the LRIS attorney earns fees upon a referred matter. If a client returns to you regarding a different legal matter you do not owe CMBA any additional referral fees.
Yes, a temporary hold on referrals can be placed at anytime.
