Lawyer Referral Attorney Application

Please note: The LRIS does not service the following counties: Bronx, Dutchess, Erie, Kings, Monroe, Nassau, New York, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester.

NOTE: Malpractice insurance in the minimum amount of $100,000 is required of all participants.

Areas of Practice Certification- I certify, under penalty of perjury, that I maintain the expertise listed for each area of practice checked above.

Panelist Agreement- I agree that I:

• Am a licensed attorney in good standing with New York State Office of Court Administration.
• Have no disciplinary proceedings pending against me or, if there is a disciplinary proceeding pending before either a district or department committee, I have attached an explanation on a separate sheet.
• Will notify the LRIS in writing if disciplinary proceedings are brought against me or my attorney status changes with the New York State Office of Court Administration within 30 days.
• Will maintain the ongoing professional expertise to handle referred matters competently.
• I agree to serve persons referred to me in accordance with the terms of the LRIS Plan.

Services and Fees
Consultations- I agree to:

• Grant clients an initial consultation of one-half hour for no more than $35, and this fee may be waived by me.
• Provide a free initial consultation in the following areas of practice:
  • Personal Injury
  • Social Security
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Veteran and Military Law
  • Unemployment
  • Worker’s Compensation

LRIS Program Fees- If I am retained by any referred clients, I agree to remit to the LRIS 10% of the entire fee if the fee for any referral case is $500 or more, exclusive of disbursements. I understand that no percentage fee shall be charged if the fee is less than $500. I agree that this fee is owed to the LRIS for any referral case including:

• The initial matter referred and any related transaction, proceeding or action
• Any other matter which involves the same client and is undertaken within three years of the date of the referral or the initial retention, whichever last occurs.
• Any matter referred to me, even if the same client also is referred to me by one or more other sources.
• Until the matter is closed by the LRIS and/or the LRIS relieves me of my obligation, even if I am discharged by the client and/or the matter is concluded by another attorney, and even if I do not remain an LRIS participant.

Payments- I agree any fees owed to the LRIS will be remitted within 30 days of receiving case payment. Payment to the LRIS will be submitted via LRIS portal by credit card or mailed by check to:
LRIS Program
C/O NYSBA
1 Elk Street
Albany NY, 12207
Cases- I agree to update the referral case status and payments received via LRIS portal within 10 days of a case’s status changing or receipt of payment.
E&O Insurance- I agree to:

• Maintain malpractice insurance at the minimum amount of $100,000
• Submit a copy of my malpractice insurance policy with this application
• Submit an updated copy of my malpractice insurance policy to lrs@nysba.org annually, within 30 days of policy renewal.

Removal From Program- I understand that my participation in the LRIS can be reviewed at any time. I also understand that I can be removed from the program for reasons including, but not limited to:

• Unprofessionalism
• Failure to notify the LRIS of
  • New York State Office of Court Administration licensing status change
  • Disciplinary proceedings
• Not maintaining Malpractice insurance
• Insufficient program participation
• Non-payment of fees
• Failure to update the LRIS of case statuses
• Additional reasons at the discretion of the LRIS

Acknowledgement- By signing and dating this document, I agree to all Terms and Conditions outlined above. If found to be in violation of the terms and conditions, I can be removed from the LRIS at any time.