SCOPE is a program of the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar, and is available free of charge to members of The Florida Bar. See the SCOPE Application.


Why Seek Counsel of Professional Experience
If you confront a problem that is unusual or is in an area of law unfamiliar to you, SCOPE provides quick access by telephone to an attorney who has experience with and knowledge of your particular problem or area. The program consists of a panel of volunteer attorneys with at least five years experience in various areas of law. The panel attorneys agree to make themselves available by telephone on a rotational basis, without charge, for a consultation with the inquiring attorney.

SCOPE is designed to supplement, rather than substitute for the exercise of independent judgment by an attorney seeking the assistance of SCOPE. A brief consultation with a SCOPE panel attorney should assist the inquiring attorney in determining professional capability to undertake the matter, and in deciding the best approach for resolving the legal problems involved. Through this process, both the Bar and the public are better served.

More than 60 areas of substantive and procedural law are available to SCOPE users. General categories available through SCOPE are: Administrative/Government Law; Business; Civil Practice & Procedure; The Judiciary; Local Rules; Professionalism; Property; Specialty Areas; Torts; and Wills & Trusts.

How Scope Works:
1. The prospective SCOPE user first identifies a legal problem or issue and determines which of the SCOPE categories would encompass such a problem or issue.

2. The inquiring attorney calls SCOPE at (800) 342-8060, ext. 5807, or in Tallahassee at (850) 561-5807. The SCOPE user identifies himself or herself as a Florida Bar member and indicates the category or areas of law in which assistance is sought.

3. The SCOPE facilitator provides the name and telephone number of one of the volunteer SCOPE panel attorneys who has indicated experience in the requested category or area.

4. The SCOPE user then telephones the SCOPE panel attorney. Prior to discussing the specifics of any problem, the SCOPE user identifies all known adverse or probable adverse parties and counsel. If no potential conflicts appear, the inquiring attorney describes the issue concisely.

5. After a brief discussion with the SCOPE panel attorney, the inquiring attorney should exercise his or her own independent judgment to resolve the legal issue or problem.

6. Any Florida Bar member may call SCOPE whenever an unfamiliar legal issue or problem arises which requires the assistance of an experienced attorney.

SCOPE Limitations:
SCOPE panel members serve on a volunteer basis; an inquiring attorney should refrain from involving a SCOPE panel member in a prolonged discussion.

The Florida Bar and the Young Lawyers Division make no representations as to the knowledge or experience of any SCOPE panel attorney. The Florida Bar, the Young Lawyers Division and the SCOPE panel attorneys disclaim any liability or responsibility regarding any inquiry made pursuant to the SCOPE program.

The SCOPE program does not contemplate and is not intended to create a formal association between the inquiring attorney and the panel attorney, or any attorney-client relationship between the panel member and the ultimate client. The inquiring attorney must ultimately exercise his or her own independent judgment on behalf of the client.