LRS Membership Application

B. APPLICATION DECLARATIONS

1. Consultation Fees: I understand that the only fee charged to the client for the first half hour consultation shall be $50.00. I understand that I may not waive a fee for an initial consultation for any reason unless previously arranged with the LRS office. I further agree to update the client information status on the Community Lawyer website within seven (7) days from the date of the appointment. If the client status is not updated within the time frame outlined above, LRS may provide verbal notice (through a phone call to my office) and written notice (letter, fax, Email) describing a date certain within which current client information will be provided. I understand and agree that Lawyer Referral Service has the authority to remove my name from consideration for further referrals if I have not provided client information and applicable percentage fee payments within 30 days without express permission from LRS.
   
   
2. Contracts With Clients: I am free to contract with the client for additional legal services at my regular rates. I agree to promptly forward 15% Net of all such additional fees to the LRS, within 30 days of collecting and earning said fees. My written fee agreement with the client will reflect this arrangement in a form substantially as follows:
   

   "[Client]________________________ was referred to Attorney by the Lawyer Referral Service of Santa Cruz County. Fifteen percent (15%) of any attorney fees will be forwarded to LRS in accordance with LRS rules. This feesharing arrangement shall not increase Client's costs for legal services beyond that which the Client would normally pay."

   LRS will provide me with verbal (through a telephone call to my office) and written (letter, fax, Email) notice of the fact that the above described fees have not been submitted and will provide a date certain as to when those fees should be submitted to LRS. I further understand and agree that LRS has the authority and right to remove my name from consideration for further referrals until I have submitted fifteen percent (15% Net) of any additional fees to LRS, as outlined above, by that date. I will return a 15% Net form or written explanation for each client with any 15% Net fees that are forwarded to the LRS Office.
   
   
3. Insurance: I certify that I am covered under a policy of errors and omissions insurance in a minimum amount of $100,000/$300,000 and I AM ATTACHING A COPY OF THE FACE SHEET OF SAID POLICY. IF MY INSURANCE SHOULD LAPSE OR BE CANCELED DURING THE TIME I AM A MEMBER OF THE LRS, I SHALL IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE LRS. I understand and agree that having insurance in the above-described amounts is a prerequisite to receiving any LRS referrals. By accepting an LRS referral, I am warranting that I continue to maintain an insurance policy in conformity with LRS rules, and that such policy is in good standing. I further recognize and agree that, if the insurance policy should lapse or be canceled, I will neither receive nor be entitled to receive any further LRS referrals, and I will neither receive nor be entitled to receive any refund or relinquishment of any payments I have given or owe the LRS (whether as an application fee, panel fees, or otherwise).
   
   
4. Arbitration: I agree to abide by all rules and regulations of the Santa Cruz County Lawyer Referral Service, including submission of any fee dispute arising between me and a client referred by the Service, if the client so elects, to binding arbitration through the State Bar of California Fee Arbitration Program.
   
   
5. Rescheduling of Appointments: I understand that every attempt should be made by me to meet with the client per schedule. In the event of an emergency and the need to reschedule, I further understand that it is my obligation to give the LRS office a minimum of four-hours notice of any scheduling changes, and failure to do so may result in a review by the LRS Committee. Also, repeated cancellations or rescheduling of appointments may be cause for payment of lost referral fees to LRS by my office, and/or removal from LRS membership panels.
   
   
6. Minimum Qualifications: Participation on all LRS panels is conditioned upon meeting the minimum qualifications or experience levels set forth in this application and Rules. I understand that I may petition for review if my application for a particular panel is denied or if I believe I am otherwise qualified to serve on this panel.
   
   Petitioners should submit: 1) a completed application; 2) declaration(s) in support from one or more attorneys who can explain why the applicant is qualified for the panel and agreeing to serve as a “sponsor” or in a support role during the applicant’s first year; 3) a letter from applicant describing how he or she will work with the sponsoring attorney to meet the needs of the LRS client while maintaining client confidentiality. Petitions will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
   
   
7. Foreign Languages: The following foreign languages are spoken in my office:
   

   by myself	by my staff
   Beginning	Intermediate	Advanced

   
   
8. Disciplinary Proceedings: I have have not been subject to disciplinary proceedings by the State Bar of California or by any other Bar. If I have, an explanation is attached.
   
   
9. Application Denial - Refer to Attachment B.5 and Attachment C.
   
   
10. Fee Wavers: I agree to consult occasionally with clients who have received a Fee Waiver from LRS. Fee wavers are given to a limited number of financially pre-qualified clients each month.