Prohibit Lead Generation Legal Marketing

     The bill establishes that the practice of lead generation marketing for legal services is a deceptive trade practice that is subject to enforcement under the 'Colorado Consumer Protection Act'.

     'Lead generation legal marketing' is defined in the bill as a form of marketing in which a lawyer, law firm, or legal paraprofessional pays money or other compensation to a third party to receive information about a potential client or case, including the client's contact information or information about the potential client's legal issue or case.

     The bill prohibits an attorney, law firm, or legal paraprofessional from paying money or other compensation to any person engaged in lead generation legal marketing.

     The bill prohibits a person from engaging in the practice of lead generation legal marketing. A person may not solicit or market for legal services in Colorado unless the person is:

• A licensed attorney, law firm, or licensed legal paraprofessional;
• Working on behalf of a licensed attorney, law firm, or licensed legal paraprofessional and the attorney, law firm, or licensed legal paraprofessional is clearly identified in any advertisement and marketing materials, information, or resources; or
• A nonprofit organization that provides legal services.

     The bill establishes that a person that engages in the practice of lead generation legal marketing may be subject to both civil and criminal penalties.


(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)