From the Desk of Vicki Johnson, CWBA President...

Do you know a CWBA member who is worthy of one of the best compliments you can give a lawyer -- a business referral?  I'm sure you do.  However, I think that most of us will agree that our membership does not make many referrals to fellow CWBA members.  A great way to increase your involvement in the CWBA or to become involved if you don't have time to volunteer is to become a part of the CWBA Referral Network.

Click here for a form that you can use to start a referral list.  You may want to refer to the CWBA Membership Directory, posted on-line in our "Members Only" section.  CWBA membership consists of many types of practitioners.  In addition to lawyers working in private practice, we have former judges working as arbitrators and mediators; non-lawyers seeking expert witness referrals or coaching; and women in government who are not seeking business referrals but may be looking for opportunities, such as board membership, endorsement to become a judge, or simply to find a new job.  When you attend events, ask members what type of referral they are looking for and drill down to ask about their practice and the type of referrals they take.    Importantly, if you receive a referral, thank the person making the referral.  Also, keep them informed of the status of the engagement without disclosing client confidentialities.  Treat the referral source as a client, so that they make a referral to you again.