Attorney vetting process

Six checkpoints. Every attorney. No exceptions.

Every attorney in the ProctorLaw network cleared the same 6-point process before receiving their first lead. Here's exactly what we check — and why.

The six checkpoints

What we verify before an attorney joins the network.

This isn't a self-reported profile. Every point below is verified through primary sources or a signed attestation with network removal consequences.

01

Bar Status

Active license in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court's attorney database. No suspended, inactive, or pending attorneys.

02

Practice-Area Focus

Attorneys declare their primary practice areas on application. We match only on what they actually handle — not a generic "general practice" checkbox.

03

Disciplinary History

We review public disciplinary records through the Ohio Supreme Court's Attorney Registration system. Active sanctions are disqualifying.

04

Malpractice Insurance

Attorneys confirm active professional liability coverage as part of the application. Coverage lapses result in network suspension until confirmed renewed.

05

Response Commitment

Network attorneys agree in writing to respond to matched leads within 48 hours. Persistent non-response triggers removal — not a warning.

06

Conflict-Check Policy

Attorneys commit to performing conflict checks before accepting any referred matter, consistent with ABA Model Rules 1.7 and 1.9.

How we compare

What other directories do vs. what we do.

Directories like Avvo and FindLaw sell placements. ProctorLaw doesn't list — it matches. Here's the difference in practice.

Other directories (Avvo, FindLaw) ProctorLaw
Listing model Pay for visibility. Higher spend = more prominent placement. No paid placements. Every attorney in the network cleared the same 6 checkpoints.
Credentials Self-reported. Attorneys fill out their own profile with minimal verification. Verified through Ohio Supreme Court records and signed attestations.
Disciplinary history Often not reviewed or buried. Sanctioned attorneys may still appear prominently. Public disciplinary records reviewed for every applicant. Active sanctions disqualify.
How you get results You see a wall of attorney ads. You do the calling. One matched attorney contacts you directly — matched to your case type and state.
Responsiveness No response standard. Attorneys who don't return calls stay on the platform. 48-hour response commitment enforced. Non-responsive attorneys are removed.
Cost to the client Free to browse, but the cost is buried in the attorney's fees (which are inflated by marketing spend). Free. No referral fees, no hidden charges, no data sold.
How priority placement works

What earns an attorney higher placement in matching.

When multiple qualified attorneys are available for a case, these four factors determine order of contact. All of them are earned. None of them are for sale.

Response Speed

Attorneys who consistently respond faster move up. Responsiveness is the single strongest signal that a client will get a good experience.

Client Feedback

Post-consultation feedback from matched clients informs attorney standing. Positive outcomes raise placement; patterns of poor feedback lower it.

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Practice Depth

Attorneys who focus on fewer practice areas and demonstrate specialization get priority over generalists for cases in those areas.

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Geographic Fit

Attorneys closer to the client's county or who regularly practice in that jurisdiction rank higher for location-sensitive matters.

None of these factors can be purchased. There is no "sponsored" tier, no featured listing, no paid boost. An attorney's placement in matching is entirely a function of their track record and fit with the specific case.
Common questions

What people ask about our vetting process.

Straight answers. No marketing speak.

What does ProctorLaw check before admitting an attorney?

Six things: active bar license in good standing, declared practice-area focus, public disciplinary history review, active malpractice insurance confirmation, 48-hour response commitment, and conflict-check policy acknowledgment under ABA Model Rules.

Can attorneys pay to be listed — like Avvo or FindLaw?

No. ProctorLaw does not sell featured placements or paid listings. Every attorney in the network cleared the same 6-point vetting process. Priority placement within matching is based on response speed, client feedback, practice depth, and geographic fit — none of which can be purchased.

How is ProctorLaw different from Avvo or FindLaw?

Avvo and FindLaw are directories — they list attorneys who pay for placement and allow self-reported credentials. ProctorLaw is a matching service: every attorney is individually vetted, and clients are matched to attorneys who can actually take their specific case. You get one matched attorney, not a wall of ads.

What happens to attorneys who don't respond to leads?

Network attorneys agree to respond to matched leads within 48 hours. Attorneys who repeatedly miss that window are removed from the active network. Responsiveness is tracked and affects priority placement.

Are attorneys with past disciplinary actions admitted?

No. We review public disciplinary records for every applicant. Attorneys with active sanctions or recent serious disciplinary actions are not admitted to the ProctorLaw network.

Is ProctorLaw available outside Ohio?

Currently, ProctorLaw operates in Ohio. We only go live in a state after building a full, vetted attorney network — so every client actually receives a match. National expansion follows the same model: quality first, coverage second.

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