CIVIL JUSTICE, INC.’S NETWORK MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT

I understand that Civil Justice, Inc. (“CJ”) is a non-profit corporation formed for the purpose of increasing the delivery of legal services to clients of low and moderate income while promoting a statewide network of solo, small firm and community based lawyers who share a common commitment to increasing access to justice through traditional and non-traditional means. I agree that if approved for membership in CJ’s Network, I will endeavor to increase access to justice by:

• Accepting referrals from CJ of low to moderate income clients;
• Charging fees that are affordable, reduced rate fees for CJ referral clients who are low to moderate income;
• Participating in CJ’s listserv and providing information and support to other CJ members to the extent possible;
• Attending CJ training events as a trainee and/or presenter, as needed for me to maintain a high level of service to clients and to support other Network members;
• Mentoring other CJ members on occasion if I am able and available;
• Maintaining malpractice insurance.   Unless specifically invited by CJ: (1) debt purchasers, (2) lawyers who devote more than fifty percent (50%) of their law practice to consumer debt collection and enforcement matters, or (3) any person who is a member of a “creditors’ rights” or other creditor- focused debt collection organization are not allowed to join CJ’s Network, attend any of the organization’s training seminars, participate in or view its listserv or otherwise utilize any of CJ’s resources.   By applying for membership in CJ , I do hereby certify that I am not, nor is any member of my firm: (1) a debt purchaser, (2) a lawyer who devotes more than fifty percent (50%) of their law practice to consumer debt collection and enforcement matters or represents lenders, car dealerships, or other businesses that regularly engage in aggressive consumer debt collection, or (3) a person who is a member of a “creditors’ rights” or other creditor-focused debt collection organization. By signing below, I agree that I will voluntarily forfeit my membership fees in the event that my practice changes and I am no longer eligible to be a Network member. Moreover, I agree not to share any proprietary and/or case specific information gained from CJ, directly or indirectly, with any person who is not a member of CJ, without approval of CJ’s Executive Director. In the event that there is any ambiguity regarding my practice or membership in other entities, I acknowledge my responsibility to contact CJ’s Executive Director and to fully disclose (i.e., with the same standard of candor owed to the court) any activity I am engaged in that may result in my disqualification as a Network member. CJ reserves the right to cancel my membership at any time at the discretion of CJ’s Executive Director or Deputy Director, in which event my membership dues for the remainder of the year will be returned to me on a pro rata basis.   Additionally, I understand that if it is determined I made any representation (irrespective of whether it is false or simply lacking in candor), or have otherwise misrepresented my identity to improperly gain access to CJ programs, listserv, or resources, CJ may file a complaint with the Attorney Grievance Commission or seek other professional discipline against me.