One Conversation at a Time

Advancing the Rule of Law Now – one conversation at a time as a Lawyer Referral & Information Services referral panel member.

We all know what a lawyer is, right? Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about us:

A lawyer or attorney is a person who practices law, as an advocate, attorney at law, barrister, barrister-at-law, barat-law, canonist, canon lawyer, civil law notary, counsel, counselor, counsellor, solicitor, legal executive, or public servant preparing, interpreting and applying law, but not as a paralegal or charter executive secretary

And what is “law”, this thing we practice? Do we know it when we see it?

Law is a system of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior, with its precise definition a matter of long-standing debate. It has been variously described as a science and the art of justice.

By these definitions, a practicing attorney is advancing the law with every call or contact with a potential client and most attorneys prefer to be paid for legal services rendered.

TCBA LRIS is a long-standing program serving Tulsa and its surrounding communities referring those needing legal representation, and who can afford reasonable attorney’s fees, to an experienced, qualified attorney who practices in the area of law appropriate to their needs. The service also strives to provide general information regarding consumer, government and other agencies and community resources when appropriate.

The backbone of LRIS is the lawyer who participates in having that one-on-one conversation with a real person having questions, issues, or lack of information about the Law. Remember the days of TCBA staff calling and sending a walk-in person who just arrived from the courthouse under “order” to get a lawyer, to your office that day? Now we’re limited to virtual referrals, but also more efficient using video conversing and emails to replace most of those in-person conversations. TCBA LRIS cumulatively during the past 3.5 years has made 1,933 referrals, advancing the interpretation, process and function of the law one conversation at a time with an attorney. A few comments about TCBA LRIS -

The average attorney fee per LRS client is $7000!

Our most recent settlement was a notable case. A well-known [SE Oklahoma] law firm was too busy to take a propane explosion case with three (3) major injuries. We knew attorneys with expertise in Dallas and together we prosecuted the case to a successful settlement in nine (9) months. We even sent a small check to the [SE Oklahoma] firm (mostly just to rub it in). :��

Steve Stidham, Stidham Law, P.C., A long time LRIS attorney panel member

I have been participating in the Tulsa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service for many years. As business propositions, the referrals are not usually that beneficial. However, even when I decline a case, I can usually identify legal issues for the referred individual, reduce his anxiety, and explain the economic realities of employing legal counsel. In many cases, I can also identify other attorneys with the right combination of expertise and affordability in the relevant area of practice. I think these benefits make the program worthwhile.

Brian Huckabee, Huckabee Law PLLC, A long-time attorney LRIS panel member

Feed back from persons referred has been overall positive – and is working well to offer this service for over 25 years. Jeril Haug, TCBA Lawyer Referral Service Coordinator since July 2020, had stepped up to the challenge of working with people from many walks of life and treats each with dignity and respect while determining the best resource for the immediate need.

“If you need a lawyer consider this valuable resource!!” – Terrill C.

“The process of searching for a lawyer who can be helpful is so overwhelming! Tulsa County LRS makes it easy and convenient. What a great public service!” – Sheila V.

“Great service! It’s good to have a trusted resource to help you find a lawyer when you need one.” – Lisa Z.

Lawyer Referral contacts are a fraction of the calls TCBA receives overall for assistance. TCBA began monitoring the numbers of calls received for information and screening for lawyer referral and is averaging 120 referrals per month to other agencies in addition to the LRS referrals. Some interesting facts about LRS – during the past nine and half years (time period for which there is reliable data), TCBA has made thousands of referrals and attorneys have