October, 2003

     In the last 16 months, MSBA’s online Member Directory has become a popular electronic membership service, attracting over 4,500 hits a month on the Association’s website. Since its debut in June 2002, this valuable online attorney resource, an exclusive membership benefit, has offered free advertising and marketing opportunities for MSBA members while helping consumers conveniently search for an attorney. This new electronic attorney directory complements MSBA’s Maryland Lawyers’ Manual, the comprehensive print legal resource directory that serves as the “yellow pages” of the legal profession.

     The Maryland Lawyers’ Manual, MSBA’s number-one membership benefit, remains a “hot commodity” across Maryland’s legal community. In addition to listing all MSBA members and a complete Client Protection Fund register of all lawyers in the state, the Manual offers the names, addresses and phone numbers of all Maryland judges, legislators, elected officials, government agencies, many law firms, legal service vendors, MSBA’s leadership and other legal resources. When the 2004 edition is published in January, all MSBA members will receive a copy as a member benefit, and many attorneys and law firms purchase additional copies for their support staff.

     While the print edition of the Manual continues to fulfill a vital role, electronic directories have also emerged as a popular contemporary trend. In today’s e-market, people increasingly go online to search for consumer products and services, including legal services. MSBA’s online directory caters to this demand by giving the public instant access to lawyers who are MSBA members.

     MSBA’s Online Member Directory conveniently lists the name, address, law firm, city/county, phone and fax number, law practice area (s), state (s) of bar admission and e-mail address of MSBA members. Only MSBA members are listed, giving them the competitive edge. Non-members are not eligible for inclusion in MSBA’s electronic directory.

     Every day, consumers looking for a lawyer call MSBA headquarters for help. These potential clients are now directed to the Association’s online Membership Directory so they may take advantage of this electronic service and have immediate access to legal assistance. It helps consumers with their legal needs and MSBA members with potential business opportunities.

     The online directory enables the public to conduct a quick and convenient electronic search for a lawyer by name, geographic location, area of practice and even MSBA Section membership. This user-friendly directory facilitates the consumer’s search and helps the individual narrow down the field through clear instructions and search tips. All of the appropriate disclaimers and directions accompany MSBA’s online directory.

     Attorneys who are MSBA members reap the rewards of the electronic listing, too. Members have embraced the online directory as it enables them to enjoy widespread electronic exposure, free advertising, publicity and visibility with the public. Plus, they can conveniently update their membership information online, as often as they wish, so their data remains accurate and timely. All information is protected and secure.

     To further enhance their marketing efforts, attorneys can link their e-mail addresses and law firm websites to their MSBA electronic listing for greater exposure and client convenience. Lawyers looking for other MSBA attorneys for case referrals benefit from the online directory as well. It functions as an excellent reference tool and also allows members to keep in constant contact with other MSBA members, facilitating ongoing communication between Sections and members.

     For additional information on MSBA’s Online Member Directory, check out MSBA’s website at www.msba.org. MSBA members interested in inclusion in MSBA’s Online Directory (and those interested in opting out of this service) may contact MSBA’s Membership Department at membership@msba.org, or call (410) 685-7878 or (800) 492-1964.

 

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