LRIS : Modest Means
Information about Our Modest Means Program , Lawyer Recruitment .
LUCIA KELLER LRIS Director Lkeller @ atlantabar . org
The Atlanta Bar Association Modest Means Program (“ MMP ”) is a public service program sponsored by the Atlanta Bar Association ' s Lawyer Referral and Information Service . The program is designed to provide affordable legal assistance to members of the public who cannot afford an attorney , but who do not qualify for free legal services .
Due to high demand for assistance from the public , attorneys are currently being solicited to serve residents in Cherokee , Clayton , Cobb , Dekalb , Douglas , Fayette , Forsyth , Fulton , Gwinnett , and Henry counties . Potential clients who qualify for the program will be referred to a private attorney who has agreed to the specific terms of the program , including an initial retainer fee of no more than $ 600 or billable hours of $ 75 an hour maximum .
What cases are covered under the MMP ?
The MMP offers services in the following areas : Bankruptcy , Advanced Directive for Healthcare , Name Change , Power of Attorney , Simple Will , Deed Transfer , Uncontested Guardianship of a Minor , Contested Guardianship of a Minor , Child Support ( origination and modification ), Uncontested Divorce , Divorce with Minors , Legitimation , and Custody ( origination and modification )
How does the MMP work ?
Client Intake . When the client submits an MMP application , the Client Intake Representative will conduct a brief intake interview to assure that the potential client ' s problem falls within the MMP guidelines and that the client meets the panel ' s income eligibility requirements set by the program , including income guidelines . This verification will be provided to the attorney with the initial application . The client will pay a $ 25.00 referral fee for an initial 30 minute consultation with the attorney .
Client Scheduling . Each client will be scheduled for a 30 minute consultation with the referred attorney . During this consultation , the attorney will interview the client and screen the case for merit . If a potential client does not have a problem that requires legal assistance or falls outside the program guidelines , the attorney should inform the client . If the client ' s case has merits and falls within the program guidelines , the attorney is expected to provide legal assistance according to the rules of the MMP . The attorney should also verify the client is eligible for the MMP .
What is the fee structure for MMP ?
Flat Fee Cases . Simple will , name change , bundles services ( advanced directive , power of attorney , simple will ), advanced directive for healthcare , power of attorney and uncontested guardianship of a minor will be cases rendered to the client at a flat fee structure according to the Reduce Fee Schedule .
Hourly Fee Cases . These services will be rendered to the client for cases that include more open-ended issues . Fees charged to the client should be made at a maximum rate of $ 75 / hour . The maximum retainer fee is set at $ 600 .
What about the court cost ?
All costs shall be paid by the client to the attorney in advance of representation unless the client and the attorney agree to other arrangements .
What are the requirements for an attorney to join the MMP ?
All participating MMP attorneys must meet the following eligibility requirements :
1 . Maintain professional malpractice liability insurance of not less than $ 100,000 /$ 300,000 . 2 . Must be actively engaged in the private practice of law . 3 . Be a Member in Good Standing with the State Bar of Georgia . 4 . Complete a MMP Application . The attorney should indicate the areas of law that he / she is qualified to accept client referrals . Referrals are made on a rotating basis .
If you are interested in joining the Modest Means Program , please contact the Modest Means Coordinator , Joette Melendez , at jmelendez @ atlantabar . org .
34 February / March 2021