Referring Attorney Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions from Mississippi Attorneys

Do I need PFAS litigation experience to participate?

No. The affiliated attorneys in the Alliance come from a range of legal backgrounds. Some have extensive mass torts and complex litigation backgrounds nationally and even internationally. Others have experience as city attorneys, board attorneys, and in various levels of local, state, and federal government. The breadth of that geographic, legal, and governmental diversity is part of the strength of the FJA network and uniquely positions us to tackle PFAS litigation in Mississippi.

FJA provides training materials, talking points, case-screening tools, data infrastructure, and the support of a broader network. The skill we look for in co-counsel is the ability to effectively identify clients in your existing practice who may have PFAS-related claims, not technical PFAS expertise.

How involved do I need to be in cases I refer?

As involved or as passive as you want, within ethical requirements. The Alliance is built so that referring attorneys can sign the client, submit the matter, and participate in the representation at the level that fits their practice. Many active referring firms choose deeper engagement on case strategy and client communications. The level of involvement is your decision, and we are flexible on that.

Will I lose my client relationship if I refer a case?

No. The Alliance is structured around joint representation. You remain the client’s referring counsel throughout the matter. Client communications are coordinated, and the referring firm maintains the relationship that brought the client into the case.

Can I refer only certain types of cases?

Yes. You can refer cases in any of the three claim categories the Alliance handles — Public Water Systems, Farmers/Landowners/Wells, and Individual Personal Injury — or focus on whichever category fits your practice and client base. There is no requirement to refer in all categories. Many referring attorneys have stronger connections with one category or another, depending upon their location and type of law practice.

Can I continue handling my existing practice while participating?

Yes. Participation in the Alliance is designed to complement an existing practice, not replace it. Most Alliance attorneys continue to handle their regular caseload and refer PFAS-related matters as they identify them.

What happens after I submit a referral?

Once you submit a referral through the appropriate intake form, our team reviews the matter, contacts the client to confirm representation, and integrates the case into our litigation workflow. You receive confirmation when the case is accepted, periodic updates on case status, and ongoing access to communicate with our team.

How are case expenses handled?

Brad Morris Law Firm, PLLC advances 100% of case expenses. Your firm has zero financial exposure. If a recovery is obtained, expenses are recovered from the gross recovery before the contingency fee is calculated. If no recovery is obtained, BMLF absorbs the expenses.

What’s the typical case timeline?

PFAS cases are complex and resolution timelines vary significantly. Some Phase Two MDL settlements move on a known schedule. Since PFAS litigation overall is still very much evolving and developing on multiple local and regional tracks instead of a single national action, there is no direct answer to that question. We keep referring attorneys informed throughout.

Do I need to be licensed in Mississippi?

At this time, FJA is solely a network of Mississippi-based attorneys focused on addressing the effects of PFAS in our state.  So, yes, to be a referring attorney through the Alliance, you will need to be licensed in Mississippi.  Brad Morris Law Firm, PLLC may accept referrals on a very limited case-by-case basis from attorneys licensed in adjacent states who have Mississippi-resident clients or qualifying out-of-state clients. Contact us directly to discuss your specific situation.

Can I market my involvement with the Alliance?

Yes. Alliance members can publicly market their participation in FJA. We provide co-branded marketing materials with your firm’s information. Marketing must comply with applicable bar advertising rules, which we review with you during onboarding.

How do I get started?

Submit an application through the Join the Alliance page or call us at (877) 264-4004. After your application is received, we’ll follow up with the co-counsel agreement, onboarding materials, and access to the Alliance training resources.