Press Release
LegalMatch Aims to replace Key Service of U.S. State bars
Utah State Bar First to Move from Traditional Lawyer Referral
Utah State Bar First to Move from Traditional Lawyer Referral
San Francisco CA and Salt Lake City, UT (December 4, 2003)—The Utah State Bar has signed an agreement to replace their traditional lawyer referral operation with LegalMatch’s online matching service for Utah citizens, a move first of its kind in the legal industry. This agreement signifies the beginning of LegalMatch’s goal to modernize the process of matching attorneys and consumers through bar associations nationwide, say LegalMatch principals.
The arrangement allows LegalMatch, a privately held internet-based company, to assume a key service historically operated by bar associations, at a time when consumers are increasingly turning to the web for research, services and commerce.
LegalMatch is currently in talks with other state bars to sign similar agreements. Dmitry Shubov, CEO of LegalMatch, believes that the company’s partnership with the Utah Bar establishes a precedent in the industry and makes it acceptable for other associations to follow suit. "The legal industry as a whole is slow to move and resistant to change, so this is a progressive decision by the Utah Bar. We’re counting on other states to stand up and take notice."
For the Utah State Bar, a partnership with an online matching service allows them to transfer a key responsibility of finding prescreened, licensed and qualified attorneys for clients. LegalMatch requires a multiphase approval process for lawyers wishing to join the service. "Improving access to legal services for the middle class is a major goal for the Bar," said Debra Moore, Utah State Bar President. "We feel the LegalMatch partnership meets that goal and provides an important service for our members as well."
LegalMatch connects consumers to attorneys when they register and anonymously post their case on the site. Cases are organized by legal category, and consumers can view background information on perspective attorneys. Lawyers within their geographic area view the case and reply with price quotes upon their interest in providing counsel.
The transition to the LegalMatch system will begin on January 1, 2004. Initially clients inquiring about legal services online will be directed to the co-branded LegalMatch site. Later in the transition, all requests will be directed to the new system. The full transition will be completed by June 30, 2004.
Also starting in 2004, the Utah State Bar will refer LegalMatch’s service to their member attorneys. The new system allows attorneys to receive screened cases, saving them time in their review for potential new clients.
About LegalMatch
Founded in 1999, LegalMatch is a free web-based forum through which individuals and small businesses can make educated decisions when choosing an attorney. It empowers consumers to locate and thoroughly review the experience, availability and price of prescreened attorneys before deciding whom to contact. LegalMatch employs outstanding patent-pending technology via its website, and provides personal support to member consumers and attorneys by an expert team dedicated to ensuring a true win-win relationship. A privately held company in San Francisco, CA, LegalMatch exemplifies the rare Internet success story: a fast-growth market leader that is cash-positive via sales and profitable without the burden of venture capital or debt.For more information regarding the LegalMatch/Utah State Bar agreement, contact Christelyn Karazin at (909) 734-5066 or via email at ckarazin@legalmatch.com.