Lawyer Vetting Process
SmartLaw, the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) of the Los Angeles County Bar Association is a State Bar of California certified and regulated organization. The State Bar of California rules require that LRS members hold certain types of insurance, are experienced in the areas in which they receive referrals, and are members of the State Bar of California. Specifically, State Bar of California Rule 3.276.c.1 provides as follows:
A referral may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, marital status, political affiliation, or veteran status.
The LRS vets all lawyer members in three key areas: (1) Insurance (2) Experience (3) State Bar membership and discipline. The LRS does not vet lawyer members on any of the areas specified by State Bar of California Rule 3.276.c.1.
Insurance: The LRS verifies that the member has the appropriate type of professional liability insurance coverage. Documentation of this insurance coverage is required of all members.
Experience: The LRS collects records from all prospective members regarding prior legal work completed. These experience requirements, in their respective practice areas, typically include a certain number of cases, within a certain period of time, with one or more cases completed to a certain degree.
State Bar membership and discipline: The LRS reviews public State Bar of California records for all prospective members to verify membership status and identify any current or past disciplinary actions taken by the State Bar of California.
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