Attorneys Frequently Asked Questions

An overview of the LawFirmPro Legal Service Marketplace
What is the LawFirmPro Marketplace?
How do users find and hire firms through the LawFirmPro Marketplace?
Are there any costs associated with using the LawFirmPro Marketplace?
Will information about my institution be kept private?

Using the database
How can the LawFirmPro database help me find the right consultant?
How do I use the LawFirmPro database together with the RFI or RFP Service?
Do I have to register to use the LawFirmPro database?

Using the LawFirmPro Legal Service Marketplace to make requests to firms
What is a Proposal Request ("RFP")?
How do I create an effective RFP?
Why do I have to register to post RFPs?

Consultants Frequently Asked Questions An overview of the LawFirmPro Marketplace
What is the LawFirmPro LegalMarketplace?
What does it cost?
What is BidPro?
What terms govern firms that find business opportunities through LawFirmPro?
What is LawFirmPro's confidentiality policy?

Maximize your firm's marketing exposure
How do firms legal consultants find opportunities through the LawFirmPro Marketplace?
How can a legal consultants become listed on the LawFirmPro Marketplace?
How does a firm update or modify its listing in the LawFirmPro database?

Responding to requests from users
What is a Proposal Request ("RFP")?
What is the proper protocol for responding to proposal requests?

Attorney FAQ Answers

An overview of the LawFirmPro Legal Service Marketplace

What is the LawFirmPro Legal Service Marketplace?
LawFirmPro helps professional legal consultants secure legal jobs and attorneys find professional legal consultants online. LawFirmPro assists legal consultants in identifying and responding to proposal request (RFP) opportunities from attorneys and law firms nationwide. LawFirmPro utilizes, "BidPro", its two way matching technology to connect attorneys and professional legal consultants. LawFirmPro provides firms a series of highly valuable marketing and business development opportunities:

• A searchable database of firms in the target industries
• Access to targeted marketing information from firms
• A proposal request ("RFP") service
• BidPro two way matching technology
• Real-world networking opportunities for users and firms

How do users find and hire firms through the LawFirmPro Legal Service Marketplace?
Through LawFirmPro's fast and simple process, attorney's and law firms can find the best legal service provider for their needs based on numerous factors, including price, expertise, and capabilities, while reducing transaction costs associated with the traditional search process. The end result is a more informed user with more competitive options than would otherwise be available. LawFirmPro is easy to use:

• LawFirmPro offers 3 primary tools for locating and posting requests with firms: (1) the database; (2) BidPro; and (3) the proposal request ("RFP").
• The Database. The database enables users to search for firms using many highly specific criteria, such as location, regional expertise, industry expertise, practice area, subpractice area, and keyword.
• BidPro- Create a proposal request (RFP)and allow LawFirmPro to connect your needs to professional legal consultants
• The RFP Service. The RFP service enables users to communicate requests for formal proposals and meetings. The RFP service may be used in conjunction with the database to target the request to certain firms that meet criteria specified by the user.
• Firms that receive a request and are interested in a posted project will contact the user to provide information as to how they can satisfy the user's needs.

Are there any costs associated with using the LawFirmPro Legal Service Marketplace?
LawFirmPro is absolutely free for users! We do not charge any fees for searching the database, posting requests or finding matches through LawFirmPro. And there are no hidden costs.

Will information about my institution be kept private?
Yes, LawFirmPro only shares the information that you ask it to communicate.

If you are simply conducting a search of the LawFirmPro database, no information will be shared with firms. If you post an RFP, only the information that you choose to reveal to firms will be given to them. In addition, you may specify which firms are to receive the request. No information provided for purposes of registering for LawFirmPro will be sold or used without prior permission.

Using the Database

How can the LawFirmPro Database help me find the right consultant?
Users may easily and efficiently use LawFirmPro's database of consultants to identify and evaluate professionals providing legal services as expert witnesses, court reporters, investigators, mediators, process servers and/or practice support consultants.

You can search the database using highly specific criteria, such as expertise, location, specialized skills, industry expertise, and keyword.

• The LawFirmPro search engine provides feedback as to the number of anticipated matches as the user proceeds to add additional search criteria. The end result is that users will know when to stop narrowing the search and proceed to viewing results.
• Search results will provide comparative information regarding consultants within a particular service area and target information specific to the particular specialty area of interest.
• Users can evaluate the experience and reputation of consultants by reviewing information on representative cases and projects handled by the consultant.

By bringing together thousands of legal service providers onto a single database, LawFirmPro will significantly lower the costs incurred researching and acquiring legal professional services.

Do I have to register to use the LawFirmPro database?
Yes. If you are simply using the database to search for firms, LawFirmPro will need to authenticate your identity. If you choose to post an RFP based on your database search results, you will be asked to register so that we may verify your identity.

Using the LawFirmPro Legal Service Marketplace to make requests to consultants

What is a Proposal Request ("RFP")?
A Proposal Request ("RFP") is a formal mechanism for making contact and obtaining formal written proposals from consultants offering to handle a specific project or provide general services.

How do I create an effective RFP?

• Communicate consultants needs: In an RFP, the issuing attorney (the "user") specifies its needs and asks consultants to respond with a description of how they can meet those needs. In addition to the project description, it is important that the RFP include a list of questions that the service provider should answer.
• Obtain formal proposals: If consultants are interested in your request, they will send you a proposal by the due date you specify. Proposals submitted in response to an RFP generally include, among other things, a description of various items relevant to the project: (1) services that a consultant is able to supply, (2) direct relevant experience, and (3) pricing. The specific information that will be provided in proposals will depend on the pieces of information asked for in the RFP.
• You decide which consultants receive your request: LawFirmPro's free RFP service incorporates flexible posting options designed to suit a user's specific needs. Users can communicate their basic needs to as many or as few consultants as they choose, and even have the option to send RFPs to particular consultants they have already selected. Because the RFP process is designed to gather competitive proposals, you may even consider asking a consultant you normally use to respond to the RFP - so that its proposal may be considered against others.
• Post your request anonymously if you wish: In addition, where secrecy is very important, you may post an RFP anonymously. The tips for creating an RFP explain how to use the anonymizer feature most effectively and describe some of the pitfalls you may encounter.

Consultant FAQ Answers

An overview of the LawFirmPro Marketplace

What is the LawFirmPro Marketplace?
The LawFirmPro Marketplace is an legal service online platform for Legal Service Professionals. Through an innovative combination of tools targeted at users of sophisticated professional services, LawFirmPro provides firms a series of highly valuable marketing and business development opportunities:

• Complete consultant profile in the LawFirmPro database that can be updated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Hyperlink to your web site from your profile on LawFirmPro.
• Eligibility to review and receive requests for proposals (RFPs) posted to the LawFirmPro website.
• BidPro two way matching technology

What does it cost?
Our services have been free to consultants since the inception of LawyersConsultant in December 1999. As we continue to grow, we may offer our services to consultants for a fee. These premium services would be optional, and fees would be announced prior to implementation.

What terms govern firms that find business opportunities through LawFirmPro?
The terms that apply to firms accepting opportunities through LawFirmPro are defined in the user agreement. Among other things, the user agreement addresses issues such as confidentiality of user information, fair pricing for LawFirmPro users, and non-endorsement by LawFirmPro.

What is LawFirmPro's confidentiality policy?
Please see the terms of our confidentiality policy for restrictions on use and communications of user information.

Maximize your firm's marketing exposure

How do firms find business opportunities through the LawFirmPro Marketplace?
The LawFirmPro Marketplace offers you the opportunity to find tangible client leads in your backyard and around the world. The methods for generating client leads on LawFirmPro are as simple as they are powerful: (1) the "smart" database, (2) the request for proposal ("RFP"), (3) the request for information ("RFI"), and (4) industry newsletters.

1. The database: Consultants can provide highly targeted content about themselves on the LawFirmPro database. Each consultant listing will include a link to the firm's web page, information about specialty practices, industry expertise, size, history, representative clients, and biographies of professionals.
2. Requests for Proposal: Through LawFirmPro's RFP service, consultants will receive requests for formal proposals and meetings. As with the RFIs, only those requests that satisfy certain profiles established by the firms will be sent to the consultant. Consultants that receive a request and are interested in a posted project will contact the user to provide information as to how they can satisfy the user's needs. The method of communication between the user and consultant is up to the user, who will specify how contact should be made.

How can a consultant become listed on the LawFirmPro Marketplace?
Creating a profile is easy! You will be prompted to create a profile upon registering. Follow the simple on-screen instructions from the Home page.

How does a consultant update or modify its listing in the LawFirmPro database? Please visit database registration instructions for information on how to create, update, and modify your firm's profile.

Responding to Requests for Users

What is a Proposal Request?
A proposal request ("RFP") is a formal mechanism for making contact and obtaining formal written proposals from consultants offering to handle a specific project or provide general services:

• Receive requests: In an RFP the issuing law firm (the "user") specifies its needs and asks consultants to respond with a description of how they can meet those needs. In addition to the project description and background on the user, the RFP will normally include a list of questions pertinent to the project.
• Submit formal proposals: The proposal is a selling document. It is a targeted opportunity for a consultant to explain to a potential client why it should be hired over others. Proposals submitted in response to an RFP generally include, among other things, a description of various items relevant to the project: (1) services that a consultant is able to supply, (2) direct relevant experience, and (3) pricing. The specific information that will be provided in proposals will depend on the information asked for in the RFP.
• Get a picture of the competition: We encourage users issuing RFPs to let consultants know how many others are receiving the same request. With this information consultants will know what the competitive landscape looks like for them.

Review the RFP thoroughly
In your first reading of the RFP, look for the following:

• Note inconsistencies that need to be addressed and questions that should be sent to the issuer - the RFP issuer usually has a deadline for submitting questions.
• Identify the competitiveness of the RFP - rate your strengths and weaknesses against the competition - be sure to highlight areas where you are strong relative to other bidders.
• Understand special contract requirements - determine if you have the resources to meet these special circumstances.

Ask questions
If you don't understand something, call the contracting officer or manager listed on the front page of the RFP. In many RFPs, questions must be asked within a specified number of working or calendar days before the closing date, so be sure to ask your questions in plenty of time.

If you think the deadline for proposals is unreasonable, call and see if the closing date can be extended. If you do this right away, it may be possible. But remember that the firm is typically unable to consider extending the closing date within 48 hours of the bid closing.

Make a proposal data sheet
Include all the information from the RFP that you will need for yourself at your fingertips during the proposal development/writing process. This includes such information as:

• Exact title of procurement (this will be the title of your proposal)
• Client and client address
• Due date and time
• Submission address and instructions for submission
• Contract officer name and how s/he should and can be contacted
• Project officer name and how s/he should and can be contacted
• Type of contract and length
• Start date for contract
• Scope of Work
• Proposal copies required
• Special instructions or requirements you do not want to forget

Use the RFP to outline and format your proposal
Read the preparation instructions carefully:

• It will often include a required outline and format.
• Follow the directions to the letter.
• The proposal is an answer book to the RFP. Evaluators must be able to easily locate the information they ask for.
• Use the exact numbering scheme of the RFP and the exact headings.
• Allocate page length based on evaluation criteria.
• Study the proposal evaluation criteria and the points allocated to each section/subsection of the technical proposal, as well as the points that are allocated to cost. This information will tell you what to emphasize and where to put your efforts with regard to proposal preparation.
  

• Use the Evaluation Criteria as your outline. The evaluation criteria will serve as your proposal's main headings and subheadings.

Structure the proposal into distinct sections

1. Technical section:
   • This is where you usually provide the most detail. Use your own words to describe how you would do the work if you were awarded the contract.
   • Start with a short introduction that includes the objectives of the proposed work, the reasons for carrying it out as proposed, and the benefits that will be derived.
   • Describe and substantiate the work plan, methodology, and techniques that you are proposing. Discuss feasibility and the degree of success expected. Identify any problems anticipated and contingency plans in the event that problems arise.
   • Identify specific tasks and deliverables and the schedule for completion or delivery. Provide information about how many people you will assign to the various tasks, their levels (explained by title, not salary) and how many hours or days they will be assigned. Do not include any pricing information in this section.

2. Management section
   • Introduce the project team. Describe each team member and the part of the project he or she will work on. Include a description of their education and experience. The same information should be provided for any subcontractor or subconsultant involved in the process.
   • Depending upon the instructions in the RFP, your Management Section might contain a discussion on how you will manage the overall project, a discussion on how you will manage and oversee the work of your staff and subcontractors (if any), an organization chart of the project, and position descriptions of project staff.
   • You may be required to include narrative information on the experience and skills of the staff members you are proposing for the project and/or their resumes

3. Financial section
   • This section should provide a detailed breakdown of the quoted price in terms of its cost elements. The RFP will tell you what cost items will be considered in the financial evaluation.
4. Related experience or capabilities section
   • Demonstrate that you have performed similar or related work for this or other clients
   • Do not assume that the firm knows your organization's capabilities, staff or the projects you have carried out. The firm is supposed to evaluate only the specific information contained in your proposal

   (Remember, your proposal may have other sections such as an Executive Summary, a discussion of your Understanding of the Problem, Appendices, or other required information as specified in the RFP)

5. Organize a proposal schedule for your team
   • Adhere strictly to the schedule in order to account for unforseen problems in the proposal preparation process
   • A separate schedule for preparation of the cost/business proposal may be necessary if the project structure and execution is complex
   • Distribute the schedule to all members of your proposal team and have a central proposal "coordinator" to keep track of the proposal-writing activities
   • Use tables, charts and graphics to summarize information or to break up your narrative.
6. Costing strategy guidelines
   • Be aware of and understand the type of contract you are bidding: fixed-fee, cost-plus, cost-reimbursement, time and materials, etc. This will likely affect the way you price your proposal.
   • Prepare a spreadsheet template or checklist of items to include in your budget.
   • Make sure your budget is consistent with what you are proposing to do or provide.
   • You may need to develop some specific assumptions for budgeting purposes. If appropriate, you can include these assumptions in your cost/business proposal on a separate page or as footnotes to your budget. Remember to always document your assumptions so that you can refer to them later and make changes if needed.

Common reasons why proposals fail.

1. Deadline for proposal submission was not met.
2. Proposals are not organized so that their distinct sections can be easily matched against the RFP evaluation criteria.
3. Proposal was not clear in describing one or more elements, or the proposal was incomplete. For example, the proposal did not describe how the project would be managed or how activities would be monitored and results evaluated and reported.
4. Budget was too high or too low.
5. Rationale for choosing a particular approach as the best solution to a research question or problem was missing or not very well thought out.
6. Work plans are too vague. They lack specifics on what activities are to be done, why, how, when, in what sequence and by whom.
7. Weak evidence is presented of ability to meet schedules. Detailed monthly or quarterly schedules are missing, and timetables for accomplishing work are too optimistic.
8. Management responsibility and capability are not clearly demonstrated in terms of planning activities, budgeting funds, keeping records, and writing reports.
9. The quality of the writing is poor. The proposal is hard to read, uses generalizations and jargon, is excessively repetitive and too long.
10. The proposal contains an unreasonable number of mechanical errors (for example: technical consistency; spelling; page numbering; section/subsection numbering or letting; consistency of appearance of headings, subheadings, font types and font sizes - small errors detract from the continuity of your proposal).