Jan. 19, 2022 – Legal services can be inaccessible to people for a number of reasons – but a State Bar of Wisconsin program aims to help those seeking representation with attorneys willing to help.

The State Bar’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) connects people who need legal representation with attorneys seeking to increase their client base.

“LRIS is ideal for attorneys who lack the time to market their services or who are new to a region or an area of law,” says Laura Skilton Verhoff, chair of the LRIS committee.

Legal services can be inaccessible to people for a number of reasons. LRIS offers attorneys the ability to bridge service gaps in their communities.

“LRIS engages its ​members in needed public service while simultaneously giving them a way to increase their client base. LRIS therefore offers its members the ability to provide support to members of their communities,” says Skilton Verhoff.

How LRIS Works

Every year, LRIS legal assistants field more than 20,000 contacts from members of the public who are seeking legal information and referrals to attorneys.

When members of the public contact LRIS, experienced legal assistants conduct a careful screening before referring matters to member attorneys. In 2021, assistants received 24,858 contacts that resulted in 12,735​ referrals.

When you become a LRIS panel member, you choose the areas of practice – up to 60 specific areas – and the geographic locations for client referrals, and choose whether to receive referrals only by phone, or by phone and online.

LRIS Online Portal

Recently, we’ve made substantial improvements to the LRIS online portal and invested in new software that makes it easier for our panel members to more efficiently track LRIS referrals and manage their memberships.

Accessible from anywhere via an internet connection, the portal allows LRIS members to:

• get referrals via email;

• receive automatic case tracking and status reporting;

• keep track of settlement fees and payments;

• submit quarterly reports digitally;

• edit your demographic profile and update your availability to take referrals; and

• renew your LRIS membership and pay online.

How to Join: Receive 50% Off Cost of Registration for 2022

For more information and to join, visit the Lawyer Referral and Information Service webpage on WisBar.org. There you’ll find membership rates and learn the rules of panel membership.

Registrations renew on July 1, and those who register through June 2022 receive 50 percent off the cost of registration. Register through June 2023 to receive an additional 10 percent savings. New lawyers receive a further discount off the registration price.