D.C. Bar Rolls Out AI-Powered Lawyer Referral Service

April 12, 2024

The District of Columbia Bar is set to launch a state-of-the-art, custom-built Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) that uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) technologies to match D.C. Bar members with individuals seeking their specific legal expertise. LRS will open to D.C. Bar members during license renewal starting May 1, and it will become available to the public beginning fall 2024.

LRS was developed in collaboration with Aptaria, Inc., which specializes in cloud-based solutions for associations and nonprofit organizations, with the goal of revolutionizing how legal referrals are conducted while providing Bar members an AI-powered mechanism to grow their practice.

“Our partnership with Aptaria represents a significant step toward creating a modernized lawyer referral service. This AI-enhanced system will streamline the referral process, making it easier for our members to be matched with potential clients who need an attorney,” said D.C. Bar CEO Robert Spagnoletti. “The reimagined LRS embodies the Bar’s mission to serve its members so they can serve the community — and has the added feature of empowering individuals with direct access to qualified attorneys.”  

LRS underscores the D.C. Bar’s ongoing efforts to leverage technology to creatively and efficiently provide a valuable and affordable service to Bar members and the public. For an introductory annual subscription fee of $119, LRS will connect Bar members with prospective clients seeking their legal experience and expertise.

Andrew Lawlor, Aptaria’s CEO and chief architect, also expressed enthusiasm about LRS’s launch. “We are excited to bring our expertise in cloud-based solutions to the D.C. Bar's LRS project. Leveraging the Salesforce platform, we will integrate cutting-edge AI and NLP to create a referral system that is not only efficient but also highly intuitive, ensuring that clients are matched with the most suitable LRS attorneys for their legal issues,” Lawlor said.

To participate in LRS, interested D.C. Bar members must be active members in good standing purchase an annual subscription, and comply with the LRS Attorney Terms and Conditions, among other requirements.

Visit our website to learn more about LRS or contact [email protected].