In its 70-plus year history, The Bar Association of San Francisco’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) has provided attorneys with opportunities to educate the public about its rights, represent clients in need of legal assistance, and grow professionally. As the needs of the Bay Area community have grown and changed, so have the offerings of the attorney members of the SF-Marin LRIS.

Membership is beneficial to solo and small firm practitioners as well as to associates in large firms. Referrals span the legal spectrum with initial case screening handled by a team of professional, multi-lingual legal interviewers. Potential clients referred to LRIS panelists have legal issues large and small. Some are looking for brief legal advice, some need limited-scope representation, and many need counsel from the inception of a case to the end.

LRIS panelist Arkady Itkin views his membership this way, “I am always happy to help and advise and if it brings paying clients that’s just an extra bonus.” Not everyone has such an altruistic philosophy when it comes to the business of practicing law. If your attention is on the bottom line, know this: In 2016 LRIS attorneys earned approximately $15 million in fees from SF-Marin LRIS-referred clients.

The SF-Marin LRIS membership year runs from July 1 to June 30. Whether you are submitting an application to join this innovative program for the first time or are a renewing member, now is the time to send in your attorney agreement and area of law panel applications. Basic membership in the service is only $200. BASF members pay just $125.

It is the mission of the SF-Marin LRIS to provide the community with legal assistance from lawyers who are representative of the wonderfully diverse San Francisco Bay Area. Maintaining panels with attorneys from different backgrounds, with multiple language capabilities helps to fulfill this mission. Attorneys who speak multiple languages are encouraged to apply.

Currently we are recruiting attorneys with experience in legal malpractice, medical malpractice, and ERISA, as well as family and landlord-tenant attorneys who speak Spanish.

Become a member, build your practice, and help the SF-Marin LRIS continue its legacy of providing the highest quality legal assistance to those in need.

If you would like to become a member please contact Yvonne Ng, LRIS Membership Coordinator, at (415) 782-8951 or yng@sfbar.org. The Attorney Agreement and Panel Applications are available at www.sfbar.org/lawyerreferrals/att-join.aspx