ABA joins CloudLaw to expand consumer access to lawyers through state bar groups

The American Bar Association has entered into an agreement with a group of state bar associations and technology partner CloudLaw Public Benefit Corporation to develop online legal directories for use by the public and lawyers. By joining in this effort, the ABA and the state bars will use their combined expertise to create an online network of legal providers. The network will offer easy-to-use lawyer search, topical legal information and quick connections with and between legal professionals. 

The state bars are primarily responsible for the development of the public online legal directory so that each state’s directory can be tailored to local needs. The ABA is working with CloudLaw to build the online lawyer-to-lawyer directory. The directory will function as a central, searchable hub where ABA members who choose to participate can find lawyers for consultations, projects and co-counsel work, and show their own availability.

Janet Welch, executive director of the State Bar of Michigan, said: “CloudLaw has been carefully building the foundation for credible, convenient online lawyer directories for consumers and lawyers with the collective input of state bar associations. The current CloudLaw network has quietly been benefiting Michigan lawyers and the public for over two years, and its value will increase tremendously over time. The addition of the expertise of the American Bar Association is a crucial step forward in offering both consumers and lawyers a high-quality way to find the right lawyer.”