At the San Mateo County Bar Association, we’re proud to offer an LRS Program that goes beyond the basics—providing more value, more flexibility, and more support to our panel attorneys than many of the surrounding referral services.

Whether you're looking to expand your client base, give back to the community, or elevate your presence in the legal field, here’s why the LRS Program might be the perfect fit for your practice:

No Office Required In San Mateo County

We understand that excellent attorneys work across the Bay Area—which is why our rules allow for broader participation.

LRS Rule 4.2.2 states that each applicant must: “Certify that at least 25% of professional time and practice is devoted to and in the geographical service area (defined as all of the County of San Mateo and the County of Santa Clara).”

This means you don’t need a physical office in San Mateo County to be eligible—giving attorneys based in Santa Clara County and beyond a valuable opportunity to grow their client base without added overhead.

Hanna Interpretation Services – A Unique Advantage

Language access is essential—but not every LRS Program offers interpretation support or services. At SMCBA, we’re proud to partner with Hanna Interpretation Services to ensure attorneys can serve clients regardless of language barriers.

Even more, our panel attorneys receive exclusive discounted rates, not only for LRS cases but for their own private clients as well. This sets us apart as one of the few LRS programs in the region that actively supports bilingual and multilingual access—at a price that helps your practice, not burdens it.

Tailored Referrals To Match Your Expertise

Your time and experience matter. That’s why we offer flexibility when it comes to the types of referrals you receive. Whether you focus on a niche or highly specialized area of law or prefer to limit the kinds of referrals you take, we can tailor your LRS profile to reflect your preferences. Just let us know your desired practice areas, and we’ll ensure that only clients whose legal needs align with your expertise are referred to you.

We also recognize that attorneys come to us at different stages of their careers. Whether you're just starting out or pivoting into a new area of practice, we want you to know that you are more than welcome here. In addition to our specialized panels, we offer General Practice panels that do not require experience-based applications—making them an excellent entry point for attorneys looking to build confidence, gain experience, and grow their client base.

Our goal is to support how you want to grow your practice—at every stage. We're here to help you succeed on your terms. Contact us directly, to learn more!

Elevated Visibility Through Social Media

We actively promote our panel attorneys through multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and SMCBA publications. This free marketing helps build your professional reputation while reaching clients who are actively looking for legal services.

Exclusive Discounts On SMCBA Events

From CLEs to networking mixers and legal community events, our panel members receive special discounts on SMCBA offerings—supporting your continuing education and professional development.

Community-Based & Client-Focused

Our LRS Program is proudly rooted in the community, focused on connecting local residents with skilled legal help. We’re not just another referral list—we’re a trusted resource for the public and a strategic partner for attorneys.

Personalized Support From Our Team

We’re here for you! When you join our LRS panel, you’ll have direct contact with our dedicated administrative staff—not a call center or impersonal platform. Whether you need help managing referrals, promoting your services, or navigating the rules, we’re just a call or email away.

So, if you're ready to join a referral program that prioritizes attorney support, community connection, and practical benefits, the SMCBA LRS Program is an excellent choice. To learn more or to start the application process, reach out to LRS Coordinator at LRSAttorney@smcba.org or call 650.298.4030.

Click here to fill out the LRS Program Google Forms application. We’d love to welcome you to our panel of attorneys!

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