How Do I Find an Attorney?
Unless you operate a business with the ongoing use of an
attorney's advice, the need for legal counsel often arises in times of
crisis. Competent legal representation is not something most people calmly
shop for when their affairs are in order and their lives are peaceful.
A major event usually creates the need for legal advice and/or representation.
You have critical deadlines facing you, and your emotional condition may
be interfering with your ability to make important decisions and choices,
including choosing someone to provide you legal services. The recommendations
of your friends and family may be helpful, and then again they may not.
Often, following up on the haphazard leads you pick up from others turns
out to be frustrating and time consuming.
There is a more organized way in which to narrow the search
for the right attorney for you. Lawyer referral services are public service
programs sponsored by bar associations, community groups, or legal service
organizations. Most lawyer referral services charge a low or nominal fee
to make an appointment for you to see a lawyer for approximately a half
hour. If you decide to hire the lawyer, you will pay the regular attorney
fee for the legal work you need. Many lawyer referral services offer specialists
in various fields of law, such as personal injury and family law. Many
programs have reduced fee plans for people who cannot afford the regular
fees.
Lawyer referral services are usually listed in the yellow
pages of your local telephone directory under "Attorney Referral Services,"
"Lawyer Referral Services," "Attorneys," or "Lawyers." You may find other
referral services in your local phone book than the ones listed below.
Only those listed below run programs that have met the standards set by
the California State Bar for lawyer referral services and received State
Bar approval, however.
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Lawyer Referral Service
617 S Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 627-2727
The Los Angeles County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service also
has an online referral service that
allows you to choose the area of law you need help with, any non-English
language requirements, and the geographical area within Los Angeles County
that you would prefer your lawyer to have his or her offices, and then
get referrals on the Web. You will need to download
and install a free Shockwave viewer within your browser to access it.
Beverly Hills Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
300 S Beverly Dr # 201
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 553-4022
The Beverly Hills Bar Association also has an online
referral service where you can fill out a form and choose to be contacted
by either telephone or e-mail.
Burbank Bar Association Lawyer Referral
Service
Telephone referrals only: (818) 843-0931
Glendale Bar Association Lawyer Referral
Service
512 E. Wilson Ave
Glendale, CA 91206
(818) 956-1633
The Glendale Bar Association also has an online
referral service where you can fill out a form and choose to be contacted
by either telephone or e-mail.
Long Beach Bar Association Lawyer Referral
Service
11 Golden Shore # 230
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 432-5913
Pasadena Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
234 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 795-5641
San Fernando Valley Bar Association
Lawyer Referral Service
(818) 906-3200, (805) 257-7804
The San Fernando Valley Bar Association also has an online
referral service where you can fill out a form and they will telephone
you within 24 hours.
San Gabriel Valley Lawyer Referral Service
1175 E Garvey, Ste. # 105
Covina, CA 91724
(626) 966-5530
Santa Monica Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
1707 4th St., Suite 209
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-5633
South Bay Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
825 Maple Ave
Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 320-9350
Southeast District Bar Association
Lawyers Referral Service
12720 Norwalk Blvd., #112
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 868-6787
Asian American Lawyer Referral Service
3550 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 384-8072
Mexican-American Lawyer Referral Service
7615 Pacific Blvd
Huntington Park, CA 90255
(323) 588-6222
Lawyer Referral Service of the Los Angeles Gay and
Lesbian Community Services Center
1625 North Shrader Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
(213) 993-7400
I need a lawyer in another county. How do I find one?