Lawyer Referral Service

NEED TO FIND AN ATTORNEY?

How does the Lawyer Referral Service work?

When you contact the Grand Rapids Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service, you will speak with an intake consultant who is trained to analyze potential legal problems. The consultants will confidentially help you decide if you require a consultation with an attorney or a referral to a local community organization.

If a referral to a consumer, governmental, or public service agency is in your best interest, the intake consultant will provide you with those contact numbers.

If the advice of an attorney is needed, the consultant will ask you for specific information related to your case. He or she will explain that we have a $25 service charge. The fee is an administrative charge to support its public services. Once this nominal fee is paid, an appointment will be made with an experience attorney. You will meet in the attorneys office for a free half hour consultation at a time that is convenient for both you and the attorney.

FAQ About the Lawyer Referral Service

Each panel member attorney is required to fill out a detailed application. Attorneys must be licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan and must carry professional liability insurance. Panel members select up to five areas of law they would like to receive referrals in. An attorney must meet strict criteria to be selected for one of these panels. You will be referred to a lawyer according to your geographic location and area of need.

How do I know this is a good attorney for me?

Ask questions! Bring a list of questions with you to the appointment and write down the attorney’s answers. You need to know what the attorney intends to do to help you. Discuss the fees of the attorney. Attorneys charge different amounts and in different ways. Ask how your case fees would be handled, how many hours may be spent on your case, and an estimated total amount.

Do I have to hire the attorney?

No. There is no obligation for you to hire the attorney beyond the initial half hour consultation. If you are not satisfied with your initial consultation, the LRIS will locate another attorney for you at no additional charge.

How much will the attorney cost?

The LRIS has no information about what individual attorneys charge. All of our attorneys are private practicing and charge their regular fees. We do not have low-income or free attorneys. If you decide to hire the attorney for further service, you and the attorney may discuss the fees and payment methods that will be involved.

What if I am unable to keep my appointment?

If you are unable to keep your appointment we ask that you contact either the LRIS office or the attorney's office to cancel and reschedule.

What if I am out of town and can not meet in the attorneys office?

If you are unable to be present for a face to face meeting with an attorney, the LRIS would be happy to schedule a phone consultation for you. We will set a specific and convenient time for you to contact the attorney's office by telephone.

Become a Volunteer Intake Consultant

The LRIS is a public service component of the GRBA. When situations arise, many people assume they need an attorney, however, about one-half of our callers do not need one. We refer them instead to one of several community organizations that can provide assistance in resolving their questions. These organizations include the Dispute Resolution Center, Small Claims Court, the Grand Rapids Urban League, and the Department of Civil Rights.

When a caller does need an attorney, a volunteer obtains information from the caller, arranges an appointment with an attorney who practices in the area of need, and makes a return call to the client to confirm the appointment. When an appointment is made through our office, the client knows that the attorney practices in an area of law that will allow him or her to respond to the client’s matter, and that the attorney has no conflicts of interest.

As an intake consultant, volunteers will have great opportunities to learn about the legal system and community organizations. The LRIS trains volunteers in listening skills. This is an excellent personal growth opportunity and will enhance your resume. Volunteering also provides an opportunity to give back to the community by helping to close the legal gap.

Volunteers must be mature, attentive, patient, and willing to commit to service in a legal environment for four hours per week for a period of at least 6 months. Volunteer Intake Consultants first complete a thorough training program, followed by on-the-job training. It is important that the volunteer be able to ask the correct questions in order to determine whether or not the caller may need to consult with an attorney. Information about the various community agencies is also provided. Training on specific computer programs is also included. The training is not difficult, just important.