In Australia, Canada and New Zealand, a law broker or legal brokerage[1] is a professional that assists individuals who are searching for a lawyer. A law broker will analyze an individual's case or legal issue and provide a customized referral to an appropriate lawyer. Some common factors that a law broker will consider are a lawyer's experience level, success rate, reputation, and quality of service. A law broker will often review legal publications, court decisions, and rely upon a network of legal contacts to provide an objective, customized referral to a client.
An Australian solicitor Dr. Yuri Rapoport of Kohen Rapoport Group started the world's first law broking firm "Prime Law Brokers" in 1996.[2][3] The law broking firm of Terry Bramham also existed in Melbourne in 1996.[4]
The development of the private-sector legal referral industry in Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom has occurred.
Fees
editIn most circumstances, a law broker does not charge a fee to a client but rather obtains a referral fee from the lawyer.
In other countries
editIn North America, an equivalent service is provided by lawyer referral programs, which are usually operated by bar associations.[5] Claims management companies are the equivalent in England and Wales.
References
edit- ^ Gilg. "First legal brokerage to manage cases for wealthy clients". Solicitors Journal. 7 February 2013.
- ^ "First legal brokerage in London launched by Oracle". Spear's. 5 February 2013.
- ^ "Legal Profession". Commonwealth Law Bulletin. 23: 1029. 1997. eISSN 1750-5976. ISSN 0305-0718 – via HeinOnline.
- ^ Cathy Laird, "Law Brokers - A New Approach" (1996) 70 Law Institute Journal 20 (No 7)
- ^ "New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service". New York State Bar Association. Retrieved 2024-07-21.
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