Lawyer Referral and Information Service

Lawyer Referral and Information ServiceA public service sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association

2013 RULES OF OPERATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. DEFINITION AND PURPOSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

II. ADMINISTRATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

III. MEMBERSHIP IN LRIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Annual Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Panel Qualifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Reporting Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Fee Disputes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

IV. FEES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Administrative Fee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Percentage Fees - Hourly, Flat, Contingent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Reporting Fee Arrangement and Additional Information to LRIS Upon Request By LRIS. . . . 10

Reporting Fee Arrangement to LRIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Providing Additional Information to LRIS Upon Request. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Failure to Pay Percentage Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

V. REFERRALS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

VI. OPTIONAL PANELS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Pro Bono Panel/Modest Means Panel.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Limited Scope Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

VII. PROCEDURES FOR SUSPENDING PANEL MEMBER-REMOVAL GROUNDS .. . . . 12Suspension/Removal Following 20-day Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Suspension/Removal Without Prior Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

VIII. CLIENT RELATIONS AND CONTACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

IX. RULE CHANGES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Adoption and Amendment of Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Adoption of Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Amendment of Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2013 APPLICATION FOR LRIS MEMBERSHIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

A. LRIS Subject Matter Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

B. Application Declarations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181. LRIS Participation/Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182. LRIS' Administrative Fee and Attorney's Consultation Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183. LRIS Fee Agreement with Client(s) and LRIS' Related Percentage Fee(s). . . . . . . . . . 184. Membership Qualifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195. Professional Liability Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Lawyer Referral and Inform ation Service g PO Box 585 g San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 g (805) 541-5502

Rules of Operation g Page 2 Rev. Oct 2012

6. Arbitration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197. Rescheduling of Appointments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198. Foreign Languages.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199. Disciplinary Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

C. Panel Membership Fee Schedule.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201. Annual Membership Dues for members of the San Luis Obispo

County Bar Association.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202. Client Referral Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

LRIS Administrative Fee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Percentage Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

D. Pro Bono and/or Low Fee/Modest Means Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

E. Declaration and Agreement Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20




I. DEFINITION AND PURPOSE

1.1 The Lawyer Referral and Information Service of the San Luis Obispo County BarAssociation ("LRIS") is a non-profit lawyer referral and information service certified under the rules andauthority of the State Bar of California. LRIS is owned and operated by the San Luis Obispo County BarAssociation.

1.2 The purposes of LRIS are as follows:

a) to provide a way in which any person may be referred to a qualified, insuredattorney who is available and is willing to render needed legal services;

b) to provide information about attorneys and the availability of legal services whichwill aid a member of the public in his/her selection of an attorney;

c) to inform the public when and where to seek legal and dispute resolution services;

d) to provide general, legal and dispute resolution information needed by the public;

e) to improve the quality of legal services available to the public; and

f) to provide access to affordable legal services to the public.

II. ADMINISTRATION

2.1 LRIS membership is offered to attorneys in good standing with the State Bar of Californiaand who satisfy the requirements of the LRIS as set forth in its application and rules. Membership may bedenied or terminated at the sole discretion of the LRIS Governing Committee. The Committee's decisionmay be appealed to the Board of Directors of the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, and the Board'sdecision shall be final. In the event of termination of membership, fees submitted for participation in theLRIS will be prorated over 12 months, if applicable, and returned to the member. The termination from LRISparticipation shall not relieve the attorney from the obligation to report and remit referral fees to LRISpursuant to the membership agreement.

2.2 LRIS is certified by the State Bar of California to serve San Luis Obispo and Santa BarbaraCounties.

2.3 LRIS shall be supervised in its establishment and operation by a committee to be known asthe Lawyer Referral and Information Service Governing Committee (“the Committee”). Under the directionof the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association Board of Directors ("SLO Bar Board"), the Committee shallhave the power and authority to operate LRIS in a manner consistent with these Rules, and with the Rulesand Regulations of the State Bar of California Pertaining to Lawyer Referral Services Including MinimumStandards for Lawyer Referral Service in California ("State Bar LRIS Rules"). A Director and other staffmay serve under the direction of the Committee, subject to the consent and oversight of the San Luis Obispo




County Bar Association Board of Directors.

2.4 The Committee shall have the responsibility of regularly reviewing these Rules and makingrecommendations to the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association Board of Directors for changes andadditions as may, from time to time, be deemed appropriate to carry out the purposes of LRIS.

2.5 Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the President of the San Luis ObispoCounty Bar Association with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors.

0.01 At least fifty percent (50%) of said Committee members shall be active membersof the State Bar of California and the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association.

0.02 No more than fifty percent (50%) of said Committee members shall receive referralsfrom LRIS.

0.03 The Committee shall have no less than three members and no more than sevenmembers.

0.04 Decisions of the Committee shall be based on a majority vote of the Committeemembers in attendance at a meeting, so long as a quorum is present. A quorum isdefined as three Committee members.

2.6 LRIS shall be subject to the policies, rules and regulations of the State Bar of California,which rules shall supersede the rules of LRIS in case of conflict.

2.7 The Committee shall meet at regular intervals to review records and operations of LRISincluding a review of Client satisfaction, attorney Panel Member's qualifications, the nature and scope ofservices offered, and all other aspects of LRIS' operations and policies.

2.8 LRIS reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for any lawful non-discriminatory reasonwhatsoever.

III. MEMBERSHIP IN LRIS

3.1 Panel Members of the LRIS must meet the following requirements:

0.01 Be an active member of the State Bar of California.

0.02 Shall not have been removed from a Lawyer Referral Service within the past twoyears.

0.03 Members shall regularly practice and maintain at least one business office in SanLuis Obispo County or Santa Barbara County. If the applicant maintains a businessoffice in his or her home, the office shall be approved by the Director or a




Committee member of the LRIS prior to membership.

0.04 Shall not currently be the subject of State Bar disciplinary proceedings nor have anycurrent criminal charges pending without satisfactory explanation to the Committee.

0.05 Shall never have been the subject of State Bar disciplinary proceedings closed in amanner adverse to the member (including matters closed by private removal) norconvicted of a criminal offense, without satisfactory explanation to the Committee.

0.06 Agree to be bound by these Rules, State Bar Rules, the Rules of ProfessionalConduct, and to maintain minimum standards of conduct consistent withqualification for panel participation.

0.07 Shall meet the minimum qualifications for inclusion on at least one LRIS panel.

0.08 Shall be in good standing with LRIS by complying with these Rules of Operation.

0.09 Shall certify that s/he does not have any current actions pending before the San LuisObispo County Bar Association’s Fee Dispute Arbitration Program. An applicationmay not be considered until all such pending actions are resolved.

3.2 Each Panel Member of LRIS shall be covered at all times by errors and omissions insurancewith a minimum coverage of $100,000/$300,000. Proof of such coverage shall be submitted with theattorney’s application for panel membership and thereafter on the anniversary date of said policy. Each PanelMember shall immediately report to LRIS any policy cancellation or material change in coverage. A PanelMember's failure to comply with the above shall result in immediate suspension from LRIS.

3.3 Annual Registration

0.01 An annual registration fee and a membership application (completed to the satisfaction of LRIS) is due on or before January 1 of each year. The fees and membership application are delinquent if not received by January 31. Any PanelMember whose fees and/or membership application are delinquent may besuspended pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section VII of these rules. Allfees are non-refundable.

00.02 The annual registration fee for active members of the San Luis Obispo County BarAssociation:

Individual Annual Membership:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150.00

(Includes annual LRIS registration and membership on up to three specialty panels)

Individual Annual Membership:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00

(Includes annual LRIS registration and unlimited specialty panel membership)

Law Firm Annual Membership.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500.00




(Unlimited number of partners and associates; unlimited panel memberships)

0.03 $150 shall be added to the annual registration fee for attorneys/law firms who arenot current members of the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association.

0.04 No fee is required for placement on a modest means or pro bono panel. For rulespertaining to the modest means and pro bono panel see section 6.1.

3.4. Panel Qualifications. Attached hereto is a list of approved panels as of the date these ruleswere adopted. The Committee has the authority to make additions, deletions or other changes to this list onan annual basis.

0.01 Each attorney seeking to be placed on a panel must, in addition to meeting thegeneral membership qualifications set forth in section 3.1 of these Rules, be foundqualified for the panel by the Director and the Committee. Generally, each PanelMember must have a minimum of two years experience handling matters fallingwithin the scope of the subject panel. The Committee has the discretion to allow anattorney to participate on a panel with less than two years experience upon a findingby the Committee that the attorney has sufficient knowledge and expertise tocompetently and effectively handle matters within the scope of the panel and/or theattorney has established a means of supervision or mentoring that providessufficient oversight of the attorney's work. Also, the Committee has the discretionto require more than the minimum of two years experience, where it finds that thenature and extent of the attorney's experience is insufficient to assure the Committeethat the attorney has the knowledge and expertise to handle matters within the scopeof the panel competently and effectively.

0.02 Each applicant's written application and qualifications statement shall be initiallyreviewed by the Director to determine prima facie compliance with all generaleligibility rules and qualifications for the particular panel(s) to which the applicanthas applied for membership.

0.03 The Committee may require the applicant to furnish additional information, eitherorally and/or in writing, relevant to the applicant's qualifications for a particularpanel, and may further require substantiation of any response by the applicant. TheCommittee is authorized to obtain independent verification of any of applicant'sresponses, including contacting persons with knowledge of the matters disclosed inthe application materials.

0.04 Any applicant who has been found not to qualify for a particular panel or panels andwho has otherwise complied with these Rules and all requests made hereunder, shallhave the right to appeal such finding to the Committee by written notice givenwithin twenty (20) days of her/his being notified of her/his failure to qualify.




0.05 Decisions of the Committee may be appealed to the Board of Directors of the SanLuis Obispo County Bar Association. Action of the San Luis Obispo County BarAssociation Board of Directors shall be conclusive.

3.5 Reporting Procedures

0.01 Each time a Client is referred to a Panel Member for either a telephonic or office consultation, LRIS will forward an appointment confirmation form to the PanelMember. The appointment confirmation form will include a section to be markedby the Panel Member indicating whether or not the Client retained the services ofthe Panel Member. This completed appointment confirmation form must be faxedback to LRIS within seven (7) days following the initial consultation. Thereafter,LRIS may request from time to time a Client status update from each PanelMember.

0.02 The failure to timely complete and return the status report, and the failure to

conform to any other reporting requirements of LRIS is grounds for suspensionpursuant to Section VII of these Rules.

0.03 If a Client referred by LRIS engages in a “consultation only” first appointment, butreturns to the same attorney on the same matter within a one year period, the matterwill still be considered an LRIS referral, subject to all reporting and fee sharingrequirements under these Rules.

3.6 Fee Disputes

0.01 Each Panel Member shall submit any fee dispute arising between that PanelMember and a Client referred by LRIS, if the Client so elects, to binding arbitrationthrough a Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program as designated by the San Luis ObispoCounty Bar Association. The disposition of all other complaints shall bedetermined by the Committee.

0.02 Any disputes between a Panel Member and LRIS regarding the payment of feesshall be governed by the provisions of section 4.4 of these Rules.

3.7 Each Panel Member shall receive copies of and agree to abide by the State Bar ofCalifornia’s Minimum Standards for a Lawyer Referral Service in California and by the Rules of Operationof the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service. Each PanelMember shall be guided, governed, and bound by the following: (a) Canons of Legal Ethics of the State Barof California; (b) The Minimum Standards for Lawyer Referral Services in California, as amended from timeto time and adopted by the State Bar; and (c) the Rules of Operation of the San Luis Obispo County BarAssociation Lawyer Referral and Information Service, as amended from time to time and adopted by theLRIS Committee.




3.8 With the exception of the requirement to pay fees as set forth in section 3.3, above, anattorney submitting an application to participate on a pro bono or modest means panel, or an attorney whois on such a panel, must comply with all of the provisions of Section III of these Rules of Operation.

IV. FEES

4.1 Administrative Fee

0.01 The LRIS Administrative fee of $25 is due and payable to LRIS by the Client whenan appointment has been scheduled with the Panel Member and confirmed with theClient. The administrative fee may be waived in the discretion of the LRIS Directorand/or the Committee on a case by case basis, including but not limited to factsevidencing financial hardship. Each Client referred shall be obligated to pay theadministrative fee of $25 to LRIS prior to the initial consultation, unless otherwiseexcused. No fee shall be required which is in conflict with any statutory or otherlegal provisions for attorney fees.

0.02 Initial Consultation. The Panel Member agrees not to charge the Client a fee forlegal services rendered during the first half hour of the initial consultation. If thePanel Member intends to charge the Client a fee for legal services rendered beyondthe first half hour of the initial consultation, the attorney shall inform the Client ofhis/her intention prior to the conclusion of the first half hour of the initialconsultation and must obtain the Client’s written agreement thereto. Initialconsultations in potential contingent fee cases shall be free.

4.2 Percentage Fees - Hourly, Flat, Contingent

0.01 Percentage Fee in Hourly or Flat Fee Matters. The Panel Member shall pay to LRISa percentage fee, or 10% of all hourly or flat fees generated in a matter that has beenreferred. Payment is due thirty (30) days following the attorney's receipt of fees. Inthe event the Panel Member has received a retainer, payment of the referral fee shallbe due thirty (30) days following payment of fees to the attorney from the attorney'sclient trust account.

0.02 Percentage Fee in Contingent Fee Matters. The Panel Member shall pay to LRISa percentage fee, or 15% of any contingent fee received by the attorney on areferred matter. The fee shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the Panel Memberreceiving the fee. In addition, the rules set forth by the State Bar of Californiarequire each Panel Member to forward an itemized accounting of the casesettlement and attorney’s fees collected to the Service within thirty (30) days ofreceipt of any monies.

0.03 Due to requirements prohibiting Workers’ Compensation referral fees, anadministrative fee, in lieu of the referral fee, will be charged. Twelve percent




(12%) of fees collected at the conclusion of the case will be forwarded to LRIS.

4.3 Reporting Fee Arrangement and Additional Information to LRIS Upon Request By LRIS.

0.01 Reporting Fee Arrangement to LRIS. Within ten (10) days of the Panel Member'sconsultation with the Client, the Panel Member shall notify LRIS of the status of thereferral, including the fee arrangement, if any, that has been agreed upon with theClient. The information provided to LRIS by the Panel Member shall be includedin a written retainer agreement between the Client and the Panel Member and shallinclude a statement of whether the fee is hourly, flat, or contingent; the amount ofthe fee; the circumstance(s) under which the fee(s) will become due and owing, thebilling arrangement and all other facts material to an understanding of the feearrangement. If no fee arrangement is agreed upon between the Client and the PanelMember within ten (10) days following the initial consultation, the Panel Membershall advise LRIS of that fact in writing. If, however, the Panel Member thereafterenters into a fee arrangement with the Client based upon the initial consultation, thePanel Member shall notify LRIS of the fee arrangement and provide a copy of thewritten fee agreement within ten (10) days of its consummation.

0.02 Providing Additional Information to LRIS Upon Request. LRIS may, in its solediscretion, request additional information regarding the fee arrangement, includinga copy of the written attorney-client fee agreement, a copy of billing statements anda copy of attorney-client correspondence pertaining to fees. The Panel Membershall provide the requested information to LRIS within ten (10) days of suchrequest.

4.4 Failure to Pay Percentage Fees.

0.01 Failure to Pay Referral Fees. The failure of a Panel Member to timely pay to LRISpercentage fees shall be grounds for suspension pursuant to section VII of theseRules. In addition, in the discretion of the Committee, LRIS is authorized to pursueany legal remedies available under the law to collect unpaid fees. Should anycollection efforts be commenced between LRIS and the Panel Member, LRIS shallbe entitled to recover, in addition to such other relief as may be obtained, allreasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

V. REFERRALS

5.1 Any person, regardless of place of residence, may contact LRIS and request a referral to apanel attorney. However, LRIS shall be under no obligation to refer any person to more than three (3)attorneys on any one subject matter.

5.2 The Committee shall establish procedures assuring that each referral is made by LRIS in afair and impartial manner to a member of the appropriate panel pursuant to the purposes of LRIS stated




herein above.

5.3 Referrals shall be made on a rotational basis. A separate rotation system shall be maintainedfor each subject matter panel. Notwithstanding this requirement for a rotational system, in assigning casesto a Panel Member consideration will be given to all circumstances of the Client, including but not limitedto, the specific type and difficulty of the legal problem presented, the Client’s geographical locationpreference, and language limitations. Panel Members are not guaranteed a minimum number of referrals. TheCommittee will periodically review the system and the case assignments to assess the fairness andimpartiality of the assignment system.

5.4 Referral Process to an LRIS Panel Member Who Maintains an “Individual Membership”Pursuant to the Rules and Regulations Stated Herein: All prospective Clients will be referred by LRIS on arotational basis within each panel to individual Panel Members, rather than the Panel Member’s office. EachPanel Member to whom the potential Client is referred is individually responsible for providing an initialconsultation with the Panel Member. Further, services may be administered in conjunction with anotherattorney in the office pursuant to normal office procedures. Each Panel Member is expected to treat Clientsreferred by LRIS with the same courtesy and diligence as non-referred clients.

5.5 Referral Process to Members of a Law Firm Who Collectively Maintain their LRIS PanelMembership Under a Single Law Firm Membership (“the law firm”): Pursuant to the rules and regulationsherein, the law firm shall, for purposes of panel rotation, be considered and treated as a single entity. Thelaw firm shall be afforded a single presence in the rotation process of each panel of which it is a member,the same as an individual Panel Member. Under this section, for purposes of all LRIS referrals, the law firmshall appoint a single contact person, who, according to the law firm’s protocol, shall assign the referredmatter to an attorney who maintains his/her LRIS membership under the law firm’s LRIS Law FirmMembership. The assigned attorney shall abide by all other rules and regulations stated herein pertainingto referrals to individual Panel Members.

5.6 Pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the State Bar of California Pertaining to LawyerReferral Services, no referral shall be made on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexualpreference, handicap or any other class that is protected under applicable law.

5.7 Subject to applicable rules of professional responsibility, should any referral give rise to aconflict of interest, the Panel Member shall refer the Client back to LRIS and shall also notify LRIS that aconflict has been identified and that the Client has been referred back to LRIS. Nothing in these rules shallobligate the Panel Member to do anything that is not in compliance with the applicable rules of professionalresponsibility.

5.8 Nothing in these Rules shall be construed to obligate a Panel Member to either accept aninitial consultation or accept employment beyond the initial consultation. Panel Members are required torefer individuals back to LRIS when not accepting a referral as a Client.

5.9 Each Panel Member who is retained to handle a matter referred by LRIS shall maintain soleresponsibility for and control of such matter. A Panel Member shall not transfer responsibility of control




of any matter referred by LRIS without the knowledge and written permission of LRIS, unless required by

law or court order. However, the foregoing shall not prevent a Panel Member who is associated witha firm or group from having aspects of the matter handled by another attorney in the firm or groupunder the Panel Member’s supervision, provided that the Panel Member retains responsibility andcontrol.

5.10 When LRIS makes a referral, the Panel Member may not recommend or refer theClient to another attorney and thereby relinquish the Panel Member’s obligation for any percentagefees owed to LRIS. A Panel Member who transfers, in whole or in part, responsibility of any matter referred by LRIS to another attorney or attorneys, remains contractually liable for any percentage feesowed to LRIS, and remains liable for collection and/or payment of any fees owed LRIS. A PanelMember shall pay LRIS the applicable percentage fee of the total legal fee(s) received by any/allattorney(s) involved. Generally, Panel Members are required to refer individuals back to LRIS whennot accepting a referral as a Client, unless to do so would be to the detriment of the Client. In anysuch case, the Panel Member shall immediately notify LRIS and shall take all steps necessary toinsure the rights of LRIS regarding its compensation for the referral.

VI. OPTIONAL PANELS

6.1 Pro Bono Panel/Modest Means Panel. LRIS shall work to maintain a panel ofattorneys who are willing to accept representation on a pro bono basis. Attorneys who are willingto be included on such a panel shall meet the membership requirements set forth in Section III ofthese Rules, except that pro bono panel attorneys are exempt from all fee requirements. Pro bonopanel attorneys shall be referred cases based on their demonstrated areas of expertise. A pro bonopanel attorney shall have no obligation to accept representation of a pro bono matter and all suchreferrals shall be on a case by case basis. Alternatively, certain matters and/or certain Clients mayqualify for a reduced fee arrangement where modest means are indicated. These shall be handledon a case by case basis in the discretion of the referred attorney and concurrence of the LRIScommittee. Referral fees in such matters shall be established based on agreement between the panelattorney and the LRIS committee. In such modest means cases, the Director and/or the LRIScommittee has the power to waive the entire referral fee.

6.2 Limited Scope Panel. The limited scope panel shall consist of attorneys willing andqualified to accept referrals in matters that are not for all purposes, but rather are for discreet tasks,or sets of tasks, in the context of a larger matter. Attorneys who are willing to be included on sucha panel shall meet the membership requirements set forth in Section III of these Rules, except thatthe attorneys shall have either received training in a program approved by the LRIS Committee, orshall have demonstrated experience in handling limited scope matters suitable to the LRISCommittee.




VII. PROCEDURES FOR SUSPENDING PANEL MEMBER-REMOVAL GROUNDS

7.1 At the sole discretion of the Committee, a Panel Member may be investigated,suspended and/or removed from serving on one or all of the panel(s) for which the Panel Memberis registered, for any reason, including, but not limited to those reasons listed below. The term“suspended” refers to an action that results in a provisional restriction of panel privileges, and mayinclude conditions. The term “removal” refers to an indefinite unconditional removal from a panelor panels. Once removed, in order for a Panel Member to be reinstated the Panel Member mustreapply for membership and satisfy the requirements of membership, and be approved by theCommittee.

0.01 Failure to timely and completely pay any fee required by LRIS.

0.02 Retaliation against a Client who returns a Client survey that is eitherfavorable or unfavorable.

0.03 Disproportionate reports of dissatisfaction by referred Clients.

0.04 Charging unreasonable or excessive fees for services rendered to referredClients.

0.05 Falsification of any statement, account, or report to LRIS.

0.06 Willful failure to return any report or otherwise abide by the Rules of LRIS.

0.07 Signing a certificate which is untrue in any material respect.

0.08 Evidence of unethical or unprofessional conduct.

0.09 Evidence of lack of qualifications to accept representation on a subject forwhich Panel Member has been included on a panel.

0.10 Failure to maintain the minimum requirements for panel membership, as setforth in section III. The failure to maintain insurance, the failure to remain ingood standing with the State Bar, and involvement in unlawful activityrelated to the Panel Member’s law practice may result in immediatesuspension without prior notice.

0.11 Failure to perform services for which the Panel Member has been paid.




0.12 Failure to provide the standard of care intended by LRIS as determined in thesole discretion of the LRIS Committee.

7.2 Suspension/Removal Following 20-day Notice. In the event that circumstancesindicate a need to suspend or remove a Panel Member from a panel or panels, absent circumstancesjustifying suspension or removal without prior notice as provided in section 7.3, the Panel Membershall receive written notice as provided in this section 7.2. At the direction of the LRIS Committee,the LRIS Director will send a written Notice of Intent to Suspend or Remove to said Panel Memberat his/her last known address not less than twenty (20) calendar days prior to the effective date of thedescribed action. The notice will include specific reference to the nature of the violation, the dateof the intended suspension or removal, and notice that failure to cure the violation to the satisfactionof LRIS within the time period stated will result in suspension or removal. The notice shall also statethe panel, or panels, from which the Panel Member will be suspended or removed. During the 20-day period stated in the notice, the Panel Member shall not receive referrals from LRIS. Absentreceipt of an objection from the Panel Member within the 20-day period specified in the notice, theproposed action against the Panel Member, as stated in the notice, shall automatically becomeeffective. However, if during the 20-day period the Panel Member submits to LRIS a writtenobjection to the proposed action, the Panel Member then shall have the right to appear before theLRIS Committee and present information and argument supporting the objection. The LRISCommittee shall convene to hear the Panel Member’s objection as soon as is feasible. Unlessdirected otherwise by the LRIS Committee, the temporary suspension of referrals to the PanelMember shall remain in effect until a hearing takes place. Following the hearing, the LRISCommittee shall decide whether the suspension shall remain in effect, and if so, the terms andconditions of the suspension or removal. The decision of the LRIS Committee may be appealed tothe San Luis Obispo County Bar Association Board of Directors by delivering written notice to LRISwithin twenty (20) calendar days of the LRIS Committee's decision.

7.3 Suspension/Removal Without Prior Notice. The LRIS Committee reserves the rightto suspend or remove a Panel Member without prior notice for any of the following reasons: 1)failure to maintain adequate insurance, 2) failure to remain in good standing with the State Bar, 2)involvement in unlawful activity related to the Panel Member’s law practice, or 4) any other reasoninvolving exigent circumstances that in the discretion of the LRIS Committee requires immediatesuspension or removal without prior notice. Upon a determination that grounds exist for suspensionor removal of the Panel Member without prior notice, the LRIS Committee shall direct a writtennotice to the Panel Member describing the specific nature of the violation and the panel or panelsfrom which the Panel Member has been suspended or removed, except that the failure to maintaininsurance and the failure to remain in good standing with the State Bar shall result in automaticsuspension, and will be effective even without notice. A Panel Member who has received a noticeof suspension or removal has the right to file an objection within twenty (20) calendar days andthereafter to appear before the LRIS Committee and present information and evidence pertinent to




the alleged grounds for suspension or removal. A decision of the Committee to suspend or removea Panel Member may be appealed to the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association Board ofDirectors.

7.4 As an alternative to suspension or removal from one or all of the panel(s) followinga complaint or complaints received from referred Clients, at its sole discretion, the Committee mayinitiate contact with the Panel Member to rectify specific problems identified in one or morecomplaints received from Client(s) referred to the Panel Member. A Remedial Action Plan (“Plan”)may be developed by the Committee and imposed as a requirement for continued panel membership. If the specific area complained of is not improved within the time period specified by the Committeein its Plan, the Committee may, at its sole discretion, suspend or remove the Panel Member pursuantto the procedures set forth in sections 7.2 and 7.3 above.

7.5 Should any litigation be commenced between LRIS and a Panel Member regardingthe rights and obligations of either party, the prevailing party in such litigation shall be entitled, inaddition to such other relief as may be granted, to a reasonable sum for attorney’s fees and courtcosts.

VIII. CLIENT RELATIONS AND CONTACT

8.1 LRIS reserves the right to communicate directly with and obtain documentation fromall persons who have sought a referral through LRIS, whether actually referred to a Panel Memberor not, and if referred, whether the referral was accepted, or not. LRIS may communicate with andobtain documentation (including but not limited to any and all billing statements) from such personsfor any lawful purpose, including, but not limited to the purpose of determining the following:

0.01 The Client’s satisfaction with the Panel Member’s handling of the case andwhether the Client felt the fee charged was reasonable.

0.02 The nature and status of the fee being charged by the Panel Member to whomthe Client was referred.

0.03 The nature and quality of legal services provided by the Panel Member towhom the Client was referred.

0.04 The Panel Member’s qualification for membership as set forth in Section IIIof these rules.

8.2 LRIS shall advise Clients referred to Panel Members that unresolved complaints mustbe submitted to the State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service Certification Program, c/o State




Bar of California, 180 Howard Street, San Francisco, California 94105-1639, (415) 538-2100.

IX. RULE CHANGES

9.1 Adoption and Amendment of Rules

0.01 Adoption of Rules. These Rules shall be effective subject to the followingconditions:

0.01.1 Approved by the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association Board ofDirectors and the LRIS Governing Committee.

0.01.2 A copy of said Rules shall be forwarded to the State Bar for theirrecords and review.

0.02 Amendment of Rules. These Rules may be amended by the LRISCommittee, subject to the approval of the San Luis Obispo County BarAssociation Board of Directors, for the purpose of complying with law and/orrules promulgated by the State Bar or for the purpose of improving thequality of the operations and services of the LRIS.




2013 APPLICATION FOR LRIS MEMBERSHIP

I hereby apply for membership in the Lawyer Referral and Information Service (“LRIS”) sponsored by theSan Luis Obispo County Bar Association and I make the following representations:

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________(If applicant is a law firm, please attach an Addendum listing the names of all participating law firm members. In

addition, each participating law firm member should complete and submit a separate application; all related

applications should be sent as one “Application Package”, together with a single $500.00 fee; please see p.7).

Telephone:_____________________ Email:_________________________ Facsimile:___________________

Firm:___________________________________________________________

Contact person(s) for LRIS referrals:__________________________________

Preferred manner of correspondence: Telephone:____ Fax:____ Email: ____ No preference:_____

Office physical address:_________________________________________________________________________

Office mailing address:__________________________________________________________________________

State Bar No.________________________ Year Admitted to the State Bar of California:___________

A. LRIS Subject Matter Panels (Please see fee schedule (page 7) regarding the number of panels to which an

applicant may belong.) Each Panel listed below is represented by a primary heading, e.g.,

“Administrative/Government”. The “subcategories”, e.g., “School Law”, allow the panel member to indicate

his/her expertise within the Panel. “Other” has been added to enable the panel member to add a subcategory

that is not listed.

Subject Matter Panels

_____ Administrative/Government

_____ School law

_____ Social Security Disability (SSI/SSDI)

_____ Veteran’s benefits

_____ Other ________________________

_____ Arbitration/Mediation

_____ Family law

_____ Civil

_____ Other ________________________

_____ Bankruptcy/Collections

_____ Personal bankruptcy

_____ Business bankruptcy

_____ Collections: creditor/debtor

_____ Foreclosure

_____ Loan modifications

_____ Predatory lending

_____ Other ________________________

_____ Business Law

____ Formation, reorganization, dissolution

____ Buy/sell

____ Taxation

____ Patent/trademark/international law

____ Other _________________________

_____ General Civil Litigation

____ Appeals

____ Other _________________________

_____ Consumer Law

____ Lemon law

____ Consumer fraud

____ Product liability

____ Other _________________________

_____ Criminal Defense

____ Appeals

____ Felony

____ Misdemeanor

____ Infraction

____ Juvenile

____ Traffic

____ Other _________________________Subject matter panels (continued...)




_____ Elder Law

_____ Elder abuse

_____ Mental health issues

_____ Guardianship/conservatorship

_____ Living will/power of attorney

_____ Other _________________________

_____ Employment/Labor Law

_____ Discrimination (race/sex/age/other)

_____ Labor/union

_____ Wrongful termination

_____ Other _________________________

_____ Environmental Law

_____ Family Law

_____ Limited scope (requires certification)

_____ Prenuptial/co-habitation agreements)

_____ Paternity

_____ Divorce/annulment

_____ Child custody/visitation rights

_____ Child abuse

_____ Guardianship

_____ Adoption/grandparents’ rights

_____ Other _________________________

_____ Immigration/Naturalization

_____ Insurance Bad Faith

_____ Landlord/Tenant

_____ Landlord only

_____ Tenant only

_____ Malpractice

_____ Legal

_____ Medical

_____ Dental

_____ Other _________________________

_____ Intellectual Property

_____ Patent

_____ Trademark

_____ Copyright

_____ Internet/web site

_____ Licensing

_____ Other _________________________

_____ Personal Injury/Tort

_____ Personal injury

_____ Medical malpractice

_____ Legal malpractice

_____ Product liability

_____ Wrongful death

_____ Negligence

_____ Defamation

_____ Uninsured motorist/insurance law

_____ Personal injury/tort defense

_____ Police misconduct

_____ Other _________________________

_____ Probate, Trusts, Estates

_____ Drafting wills, trusts

_____ Estate/tax planning

_____ Probate

_____ Other _________________________

_____ Real Property

_____ Sales, exchange of real property

_____ Title

_____ Construction

_____ Mechanics’ liens

_____ Commercial/residential leases

_____ Boundary disputes

_____ Easements

_____ Land use

_____ Homeowner associations

_____ Foreclosures, loan modifications

_____ Mobile home law

_____ Other _________________________

_____ Workers’ Compensation

If you are a certified specialist, please list the area(s) in whichyou are certified as a specialist and attach a copy of your

Specialization Certificate to this application.

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________




B. Application Declarations (Please read the following paragraphs and indicate your understandingand agreement by signing the Declaration and Agreement Statement in Item E below.)

1. LRIS Participation/Membership: LRIS membership is offered to attorneys in good standing withthe State Bar of California and who satisfy the requirements of the LRIS as set forth in itsapplication and rules. I understand and agree that, due to a variety of operational constraints andconcerns, membership may be denied or terminated at the discretion of the LRIS GoverningCommittee. The Committee's decision may be appealed to the Board of Directors of the San LuisObispo County Bar Association, and the Board's decision shall be final. I understand and agree thatin the event of termination of membership, fees submitted for participation in the LRIS will beprorated over 12 months, if applicable, and returned to the member. I understand and agree that thetermination from LRIS participation shall not relieve me from the obligation to report and remitreferral fees to LRIS pursuant to the membership agreement.

2. LRIS' Administrative Fee and Attorney's Consultation Fees: I understand that LRIS may chargethe client, and is solely responsible for collection of, its $25.00 administrative fee once anappointment is confirmed between the client and me. I further understand that no legal fees will becharged to the client by me for the first half-hour consultation; however, thereafter my normal legalfee(s) may be charged once I have fully discussed my fee(s) with the client and he/she has agreedto same in writing as more fully set forth in item number B.3. below.

3. LRIS Fee Agreement with Client(s) and LRIS' Related Percentage Fee(s): I am free to contractwith the client for additional legal services following the first half-hour consultation at my regularrates once I have fully discussed my fees with the client and he/she has agreed to same in writing. A copy of the written fee agreement shall be provided to LRIS within 10 days of my acceptance ofthe case. I further agree to forward a percentage of all such fees ("percentage fees") to LRIS within30 days of receipt by me (10% of all flat or hourly fees; 15% of all contingency fees.) My writtenfee agreement with the client will reflect this arrangement in a form substantially as follows:

"[Client] _________ was referred to Attorney by the Lawyer Referral and InformationService of the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association. ____ [10% for flat or hourly fees,15% for contingent] percent of any attorney fees earned and collected by me will beforwarded to LRIS in accordance with LRIS' rules. This fee-sharing arrangement shallnot increase Client's costs for legal services beyond that which the Client wouldnormally pay. Client consents to the release of this fee agreement to LRIS as well asto the release of billing statements relevant to the services performed by Attorney thatarise from this fee agreement".

As set forth in the preceding paragraph, I agree to provide LRIS with a copy of the written feeagreement entered into between the client(s) and me within 10 days of my acceptance of the case.I further understand and agree that LRIS has the authority and right to remove my name fromconsideration for further referrals until I have forwarded all written fee agreements and paid any andall outstanding percentage fees due and owing on all referred cases as set forth in the precedingparagraph.




4. Membership Qualifications: I have read and understand the qualification requirements formembership in LRIS and for placement on its panel(s) as set forth in Sections 3.1 through 3.4 of theLRIS Rules of Operation (a copy of which has been provided with this application). I certify thatI satisfy all qualification requirements, including but not limited to the requirement that I have aminimum of two years substantive experience as defined in the Rules of Operation handling matterswithin the scope of each panel I have checked on this application. I understand and agree that theLRIS Director and/or the LRIS Governing Committee may require additional information from meto confirm that I meet the minimum qualifications for membership and for panel placement; I agreeto fully cooperate with LRIS in providing any information that is requested.

5. Professional Liability Insurance: I certify that I am covered under a Policy of Errors andOmissions Insurance ("insurance policy”) with minimum liability limits of $100,000/$300,000, andthat I have attached a copy of the Declaration Page of said insurance policy to this Application. Iagree and understand that if my insurance policy should lapse or be canceled during the time I ama member of LRIS, I shall immediately notify LRIS in writing. I understand and agree that havinginsurance in the above-described amounts is a prerequisite to receiving any LRIS referrals. Byaccepting an LRIS referral, I am warranting that I continue to maintain an insurance policy inconformity with LRIS' Rules of Operation, and that such insurance policy is in good standing. Ifurther understand and agree that if my insurance policy should lapse or be canceled, I will neitherreceive, nor be entitled to receive, any further LRIS referrals unless and until my insurance policyhas been reinstated and a copy of its Declaration page provided to LRIS. I further understand andagree that I will neither receive, nor be entitled to receive, a refund or relinquishment of any sumsI have already given or still owe to LRIS (whether as an application fee, panel fee, percentage fee,or otherwise).

6. Arbitration. I understand and agree to abide by all LRIS Rules of Operation, and specifically Rule3.6 which requires submission of any fee dispute arising between me and a Client referred by LRIS,if the Client so elects, to binding arbitration through a Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program asdesignated by the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association. I further understand and agree as statedin Rule 3.6, that disposition of all other complaints shall be determined by the LRIS GoverningCommittee.

7. Rescheduling of Appointments. I understand and agree that every attempt should be made by meto meet with the Client at the time and place scheduled and confirmed by LRIS. In the event anemergency requires that I reschedule the appointment, I understand and agree that it is my obligationto contact the Client immediately to reschedule. In the event I must reschedule an appointment butam unable to do so, I understand and agree that it is my obligation to immediately advise the LRISoffice so that the Client may be referred to another LRIS Panel Member. Failure to do so may resultin a review by the LRIS Governing Committee. Also, repeated rescheduling of appointmentswithout notification to LRIS may be cause for removal from the LRIS subject matter panels.

8. Foreign Languages. The following foreign languages are spoken in my office:I speak _____________________; a member of my staff speaks __________________________. Beginning ___ Intermediate ___ Advanced ___




9. Disciplinary Proceedings. I have ___ I have not ___ been subject to disciplinary proceedingsby the State Bar of California or by any other Bar. If I have, an explanation is attached.

C. Panel Membership Fee Schedule

1. Annual Membership Dues for members of the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association. Please note: Annual LRIS Membership dues are increased by an additional $150.00 for all memberswho are not members of the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association.

Individual Annual Membership:…………………………………………… $150.00(Includes 2011 annual LRIS registration and membership in up to 3 panels.)

Individual Annual Membership:…………………………………………… $200.00 (Includes 2011 annual LRIS registration and unlimited panel membership.)

Law firm Annual Membership ……………………………………………. $500.00 (Includes 2011 annual LRIS registration and unlimited panel memberships.)

2. Client Referral FeesLRIS Administrative Fee ………………………………………………… $ 25.00

LRIS' $25 Administrative Fee may be charged to the Client and will be collected by the LRIS staffat the time the appointment is scheduled and confirmed. The Administrative Fee may be waived forfinancial hardship on a case by case basis in the discretion of the LRIS director and/or the LRISGoverning Committee.

Percentage Fees: Please review LRIS' Rules of Operation provided with this Application (Rules4.1 through 5.7) regarding Percentage Fees. Percentage Fees apply to all matters referred to andaccepted by an LRIS Panel Attorney, with the exception of any matter that has been referred byLRIS and accepted by the panel member as a pro bono matter.

Hourly, Flat, Retainer Fees: 10% of fees earnedContingency Fees: 15% of fees earned

D. Pro Bono and/or Low Fee/Modest Means Program (please check number one or two):

1. _____ I/Our law firm will be available to consider handling, on a case by case basis:____ a pro bono matter

and/or____ a low-fee matter per year

2. _____ I/Our law firm will not be available to handle any pro bono or low fee matters.




E. Declaration and Agreement Statement (If this is an Individual Membership Application, thefollowing statements apply to the individual applicant. If this is a Law Firm MembershipApplication, the following statements apply to each member of the Law Firm included in thisApplication and listed on the attached Addendum; the Law Firm representative who signs thisApplication signs on behalf of all Law Firm applicants; the participating members of the Law Firmsigns his/her individual application as well.)

I DECLARE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE ANDCORRECT:

1. I am an active member in good standing of the State Bar of California.

2. I have not been previously removed from a panel of the Lawyer Referral and Information Service.

3. I regularly practice and maintain at least one business office in San Luis Obispo County or SantaBarbara County.

4. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association ("BarAssociation"), its officers, directors, members, and employees, and the LRIS Governing Committee("the Committee") from any and all claims, demands, actions, liability or loss which may arise from,or be incurred as a result of, any and all referrals of Clients to me through LRIS and attributable toallegations or claims of professional malpractice.

5. I agree to conduct the initial consultation with each client referred on any of the panels of which Iam a member at the appointed time in my office in accordance with the LRIS Rules of Operation,and if I am retained by the client, I agree to proceed at all times in accordance with said Rules.

6. I have read and understand the LRIS Rules of Operation in their entirety, and I agree withoutexception to abide by same, and to abide by such other and further rules as hereinafter may beadopted or amended by the Committee, including but not limited to all qualifying procedures setforth under said Rules.

7. For all Law Firm Membership applicants: I have read and understand the LRIS Rules of Operationpertaining to Law Firm Membership, including but not limited to Rule 5.5 pertaining to panelrotation and to the appointment of a single Law Firm contact for all LRIS referrals. I have read saidRules in their entirety and I agree without exception to abide by same, and to abide by such otherand further rules as hereinafter may be adopted or amended by the Committee, including but notlimited to all qualifying procedures set forth under said Rules

8. I agree to waive any and all claims against the Bar Association and its officers, directors, members,employees and the Committee for any liability or loss arising out of the operation of LRIS or thereferral of clients hereunder.




9. I agree to submit any fee dispute arising between an LRIS-referred Client and me, if the Client soelects, to binding arbitration by a Fee Arbitration Committee of the San Luis Obispo County BarAssociation or such other Fee Arbitration Committee established pursuant to Business andProfessions Code §6200 et seq.

10. I agree to promptly notify LRIS in the event I become ineligible or disqualified to serve on any panelor become unable to accept referrals from LRIS.

11. I understand that I shall be permitted to withdraw my registration from any or all panels of LRIS atany time upon five (5) days written notice to the LRIS Committee.

12. I understand and agree that if I withdraw from any or all LRIS panels, or if my LRIS membershipis suspended for cause by the LRIS Committee at any time, I will be entitled to a prorated refund ofany portion of my membership fee(s). I further understand and agree that in the event of mywithdrawal or suspension by the Committee as stated hereinabove, I will continue to forward toLRIS any and all percentage fees that remain or that become due and owing to LRIS, and I willcontinue to keep LRIS apprised of the status of all open and pending matters referred to me by LRIS,as and when requested.

13. I understand that I may be suspended or excluded from participating in LRIS by the action of theLRIS Governing Committee in accordance with Section B.1 above, and Section 7.2 of the Rules ofOperation.

14. I understand and agree to abide by Sections 4.1 through 4.4 of the LRIS Rules of Operationregarding fees, including, but not limited to, all Rules pertaining to LRIS administrative fees, initialhalf-hour consultation, hourly fees, flat fees, contingency fees, Workers' Compensation percentagefees, reporting requirements, and payment of percentage fees.

15. I certify that I have no current actions pending before the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association'sFee Dispute Arbitration Program. I understand and agree that my application may not be considereduntil all pending actions are resolved.

16. I acknowledge receipt of the following documents: Rules and Regulations of the State Bar ofCalifornia pertaining to Lawyer Referral Services including minimum standards for a LawyerReferral Service in California (a.k.a. State Bar Minimum Standards) and the San Luis Obispo CountyBar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service Rules of Operation; I have read andhereby agree to abide by all provisions set forth therein.

Executed at ____________________________, CaliforniaDated: _________________________________

Signature of Applicant _______________________________________________________________

.................................................................................................. (Please print name)




Membership Dues (Please refer to detailed fee schedule in Section C above):

Individual $150.00

Individual 200.00

Law Firm 500.00

Annual Dues enclosed (please see fee schedule): $

==================

Please return the following to LRIS at P.O. Box 585, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401:

T Completed and signed application

T Copy of insurance coverage declaration page

T Payment for membership dues-make checks payable to the LRIS

T If applicable, copy of Certificate(s) of Specialization



Documents

Lawyer Referral and Information Service