Affiniscape Merchant Solutions, Brooks Brothers join member benefits program.

A company that specializes in helping lawyers and law firms accept client payments via credit cards has been added to the Bar's Member Benefits Program.

Affiniscape Merchant Solutions was approved as a member benefit at the Board of Governors' July 17 meeting in Naples.

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According to board member Clay Schnitker, liaison to the Member Benefits Committee, Affiniscape offers lower bank and service charges and more ways for clients to make payments, including over the phone and for monthly billings.

According to information provided to the board, "The Florida Bar program will offer payment fiexibility for Bar member clients, personalized customer service and the ability to accept transactions in a professional manner. Florida Bar members will receive reduced processing rates and multiple features built around the needs of their practice.

"With a law firm merchant account, credit cards accepted for retainers are deposited into the law firm trust account, while processing fees are paid from the operating account. This process keeps the trust balance intact and avoids any commingling of client funds--keeping firms compliant with ethical accounting practices.

"The law firm merchant account provides Bar member clients with more options to help ensure prompt payment. Credit card options help reduce the cost and time dedicated to collections. Establishing a law firm merchant account enables law firms to accept credit cards and debit cards in their office, over the phone, or as an added payment option for monthly invoices."

Lawyers and law firms that already accept credit cards will be able to switch to Affiniscape at no cost, while continuing to use their current equipment and bank and take advantage of the reduced rates offered to Bar members.

The board also approved adding Brooks Brothers as a member benefit. Bar members can get a Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Card which qualifies them for a 15 percent discount on "all regular and everyday value priced merchandise at Brooks Brothers U.S. branded stores."

The new programs should be launched and available to Bar members by the end of August. Information about the new programs will be posted on the Member Benefits section of the Bar's Web site, which can be accessed at www.fioridabar.org/MemberBenefits.