The American Bar Association sets standards for Lawyer Referral Services to ensure that clients who use those Lawyer Referral Services are receiving the highest quality representation possible.

What are the ABA Standards for Lawyer Referral?

In 1989 the American Bar Association formulated and adopted Rules for the operation of public service lawyer referral programs. The overriding concern of the Rules is consumer protection.

Lawyer Referral Services that meet American Bar Association Standards follow a set of rules by which clients are to receive the best possible service and representation from highly qualified and pre-screened attorneys.

Some areas covered by the ABA Rules and Standards include:

• Lawyer screening to ensure experience in the area(s) of law they practice

• Proof of lawyers' financial responsibility and insurance

• Procedures to suspend or remove attorneys if necessary

• Process by which client-attorney conflicts are resolved

If you would like more information, you can read the complete American Bar Association Model Supreme Court Rules Governing Lawyer Referral and Information Services.