The present invention is a method and apparatus for facilitating the selection of legal and legal-related service providers. When characterized as an apparatus, the invention has a host site computer, a listing client computer in communication with the host site computer, and a network subscriber computer in communication with the host site computer. Initially, a request for proposal is created using the listing client computer. This request for proposal includes criteria for determining whether a network subscriber can view the request for proposal. After being created, the request for proposal is transmitted to the host site computer. Next, a profile is created using the network subscriber computer. The profile includes characteristics of the network subscriber. After being created, the profile is transmitted to the host site computer. Finally, the host site computer compares the request for proposal and the profile to determine if the network subscriber will have access to the request for proposal.
A system for conducting legal services, including: an interrogative interface via which clients input information relevant to matters in connection with which the legal service is engaged; a retainer acknowledgment interface via which the clients acknowledges engaging the legal service provider to perform a legal service; a query interface via which the clients can post inquiries to the legal services provider; and a database comprising information relating to the status of matters for which clients have engaged the legal service provider.
