Abstract: A client initially creates a client's request for proposal (RFP) on a client computer. The client also enters information that identifies some of the client's opponents. Next, a service provider creates a service provider profile on a service provider computer. The service provider also enters information that identifies some of the service provider's clients. Next, all of this information is transmitted to a host site computer that is in communication with the service provider computer and the client computer. The host site computer then compares the information identifying the client's opponents to the information identifying the service provider's clients to determine if the service provider should be allowed access to the client's RFP. If one of the service provider's clients is the same as one of the client's opponents, the service provider is refused access to the client's RFP.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for facilitating the selection of legal and legal-related service providers. When characterized as an apparatus, the invention has a host site computer, a listing client computer in communication with the host site computer, and a network subscriber computer in communication with the host site computer. Initially, a request for proposal is created using the listing client computer. This request for proposal includes criteria for determining whether a network subscriber can view the request for proposal. After being created, the request for proposal is transmitted to the host site computer. Next, a profile is created using the network subscriber computer. The profile includes characteristics of the network subscriber. After being created, the profile is transmitted to the host site computer. Finally, the host site computer compares the request for proposal and the profile to determine if the network subscriber will have access to the request for proposal.

Abstract: A client initially creates a client's request for proposal (RFP) on a client computer. The client also enters information that identifies some of the client's opponents. Next, a service provider creates a service provider profile on a service provider computer. The service provider also enters information that identifies some of the service provider's clients. Next, all of this information is transmitted to a host site computer that is in communication with the service provider computer and the client computer. The host site computer then compares the information identifying the client's opponents to the information identifying the service provider's clients to determine if the service provider should be allowed access to the client's RFP. If one of the service provider's clients is the same as one of the client's opponents, the service provider is refused access to the client's RFP.