S P E C I A L
F E A T U R E
D a v i d B e f e l e r – B e f e l e r L a w F i r m , P. A .
i nCreAse Y our r eferrAls And H elp Y our C oMMunitY
t HrougH tHe l AWYer r eferrAl & i nforMAtion s erViCe
due to the vast array of legal issues the service receives, which spread across a range
of industries and practice areas, the service is always glad to welcome attorneys with
different specialties and experience.
T
T
he Hillsborough County
Bar Association’s Lawyer
Referral and Information
Service (LRIS) provides a
valuable connection between
Tampa Bay area residents and local
attorneys. The Service is certified by the
American Bar Association (ABA) and serves
as the local Bar Association Service covering
Hillsborough County and surrounding
counties that are not served by the statewide
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service. The
Service works to pair prospective clients that
are requesting assistance with attorney
members that are competent in the
particular area of need.
David Befeler (far right) with fellow LRIS members Erik De L’Etoile, Rinky Parwani
In the past few years that I have been a
and Ricardo Duarte, at a recent Ask-A-Lawyer event.
member of the Service, I have experienced
a wide range of referrals spanning various
practice areas. Some referrals are from individual
speaking engagement featuring member attorneys also
consumers, while others are from commercial businesses
provide helpful information to the public related to
that are seeking lawyers that have been vetted by The
specific practice areas and topics.
Florida Bar and the Service. The Service also provides
Thanks to the dedication of Director Lupe Vazquez-
bountiful opportunities to provide the local Tampa
Mitcham and Carmen Nodal, the Service is able to assist
community with pro bono service in order to satisfy the
those looking for legal help to connect with local
annual reporting requirement. Oftentimes, attorneys take
attorneys. Due to the vast array of legal issues the
their knowledge and expertise for granted. But in fact,
Service receives, which spread across a range of
people are very appreciative of the insight and direction
industries and practice areas, the Service is always glad
they are able to obtain when they speak to an LRIS
to welcome attorneys with different specialties and
member, even if they do not always have a true need for
experience. Additionally, because the Service receives
an attorney.
calls from people of all backgrounds,
Some additional benefits that are offered through the
bilingual attorneys are always needed
Service include a partnership with WTVT FOX 13 News
and appreciated.
and periodic community speaking events presented
In summary, the Service provides a
in locations accessible to the public, such as local
good