Lawyer Referral

I am writing in regard to the “Real Estate Q&A;” column by Robert J. Bruss (May 14).

Bruss made some remarks that do not accurately portray the Los Angeles County Bar Assn. Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) or many other Bar-sponsored lawyer referral services.

Contrary to what Bruss stated, attorneys must meet rigorous qualification standards to join our referral panels and would never qualify for membership “fresh out of law school.”

Newer attorneys are only permitted to receive referrals through our Modest Means program, which is designed to help clients with low to moderate incomes who understand that they are paying much less than the prevailing rate in attorney’s fees because the attorney is not as experienced.

We feel that LRIS is an ideal place for individuals to locate an experienced real estate attorney. Various local real estate associations must agree, as they have requested copies of our brochures to give to home buyers in search of attorneys. They too, are concerned with the conflict of interest issue that may arise when they, realtors, and other real estate professionals recommend attorneys to home buyers.

RICHARD A. HONN

Los Angeles

Honn is chairperson of the Bar’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service Committee.