The Alabama State Bar is committed to promoting public access to high quality legal services regardless of financial or other circ*mstances. The following information is offered to those who are seeking legal assistance and are not sure where to begin in their search for an attorney or other legal help.
- Volunteer Lawyers Programs (civil only, not criminal)
More than 3,000 Alabama lawyers provide free legal services to low-income citizens in certain civil matters through the five volunteer lawyers programs in this state. The volunteer lawyers programs also provide free legal assistance to community-based organizations that improve the lives of low-income Alabamians. To see if you qualify for pro bono help, call or visit the websites for the program serving the county in which you live:
Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham
(205) 250-5198
www.vlbham.orgMadison County Volunteer Lawyers Program
(256) 539-2275
www.vlpmadisoncounty.orgMontgomery Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program (Montgomery County)
(334) 265-0222South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program (Mobile, Baldwin, Washington and Clarke counties)
(251) 438-1102 or (855) 997-2857
www.savlp.orgAlabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program (all other counties)
(888) 857-8571- Legal Services Alabama (civil only, not criminal)
Legal Services Alabama(“LSA”) is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides qualifying low-income families across all 67 counties of Alabama with free civil legal aid in a wide variety of areas. LSA operates from eight offices with one located in Anniston, Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Selma and Tuscaloosa.To apply for free legal aid in Alabama, call 866-456-4995 or apply online.
LSA provides a full range of services, including:
- Counsel and advice
- Mediation
- Administrative representation
- Representation in court
- Appeals in appropriate cases
- Legal self-help materials and forms
It is Legal Services Alabama’s goal to help people and families move toward self-sufficiency through assisting them with their legal needs.
- Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service (all types of legal matters - FEES APPLY)
The Lawyer Referral Service (“LRS”) is a program offered by the Alabama State Bar designed to assist the public in locating an attorney to assist with their general legal need. Attorneys who participate in the ASB Lawyer Referral Service agree to charge no more than $50 for an initial 30 minute consultation. Following the initial consultation, the potential client and referred attorney will negotiate a fee for the services required.
How Does the Lawyer Referral Service Work?
The Lawyer Referral Service is a simple process initiated by calling our toll free number (1-800-392-5660) or by clicking on the link below.
Lawyer Referral Service Form
You will be asked to briefly state the reason you are seeking an attorney. All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence. The Lawyer Referral Service representative will ask you for general contact information and will then provide you the name of a lawyer located near you who practices in the area of law your need requires, if one is available. LRS will not provide lists of attorneys.
To receive a referral through the Alabama State Bar’s website, you must agree to theTerms of Service and choose the area of law and the type of legal issue.
Please note, we cannot provide referrals through email requests; only through the toll free number or the link on this page.
When you receive a referral, it is your responsibility to contact the lawyer to make an appointment to discuss your legal matter. The Lawyer Referral Service cannot make appointments for callers. When you call to make your appointment with the lawyer, be sure to tell him or her that the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service has referred you.
When is the Lawyer Referral Service Open?
The Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service’s toll free number (1-800-392-5660) operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.to 4:30 p.m. Referrals through the website are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
See AlsoHome | ClearbriefLegal Fees and Expenses
Legal fees will be negotiated between you and the attorney referred to you. The initial consultation fee may be waived by the attorney. All other fees are at the discretion of the attorney. When discussing the cost of representation with the referred attorney please make sure you distinguish between the fees and expenses such as filing fees and other third-party fees charged to your matter. Lawyers charge based on the time and type of work involved, the difficulty in solving the problem, and your needs as a client. The Lawyer Referral Service encourages you to ask for a written fee agreement before you proceed with any legal work beyond the first 30-minute consultation.
Members of the United States Armed Forces
Some attorneys who participate in the ASB Lawyer Referral Service offer a 25% discount to members of the United States Armed Forces. If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, please call 800-392-5660 for a referral. At this time, the online Lawyer Referral Service does not indicate which lawyers provide legal representation for members of the military at a discounted rate.
Referrals for Matters Outside of Alabama
The ASB Lawyer Referral Service cannot help you to find a lawyer for a legal matter outside the State of Alabama.If you need a lawyer outside of Alabama, please consult theAmerican Bar Association Lawyer Referral Directory.
Thank you for using the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service.
To continue to the Lawyer Referral Service form, click the link below:
Get a Referral
- Legal Information and Self-Help Forms
Alabama Legal Help (operated by Legal Services Alabama) and the website of the Alabama Access to Justice Commissioncontain information and self-help forms regarding a wide variety of legal issues, including family law, public benefits, housing, consumer issues, health law, elder law, immigration and guardianships. You can get basic information about your legal rights, learn where to go for legal aid and assistance, and find out about other community resources. Another website, Alabama Legal Answers, allows you to ask a lawyer a question online at no charge.
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Lawyer Referral Service
Get a Referral
As a legal expert well-versed in the intricacies of legal assistance, it's evident that the Alabama State Bar is dedicated to ensuring public access to high-quality legal services, irrespective of financial constraints. The commitment to providing assistance is exemplified through various programs and services outlined in the provided article. Let me delve into each concept and offer insights into the options available for those seeking legal help in Alabama.
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Volunteer Lawyers Programs (civil only, not criminal):
- Over 3,000 Alabama lawyers volunteer their expertise to provide free legal services in civil matters to low-income citizens through five distinct programs across the state.
- These programs extend their assistance to community-based organizations working to enhance the lives of low-income Alabamians.
- Qualification for pro bono help can be determined by contacting the program serving the specific county of residence.
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Legal Services Alabama (civil only, not criminal):
- Legal Services Alabama (LSA) operates independently as a nonprofit organization, offering free civil legal aid to qualifying low-income families across all 67 counties in Alabama.
- LSA has offices strategically located in Anniston, Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Selma, and Tuscaloosa.
- Services provided by LSA encompass counsel, advice, mediation, administrative representation, court representation, appeals in appropriate cases, and the provision of legal self-help materials and forms.
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Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service (all types of legal matters - FEES APPLY):
- The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is a program facilitated by the Alabama State Bar, connecting the public with attorneys for general legal needs.
- Attorneys participating in LRS agree to charge a maximum of $50 for an initial 30-minute consultation.
- The referral process can be initiated by calling a toll-free number or filling out a form on the Alabama State Bar's website, specifying the area of law and type of legal issue.
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Legal Fees and Expenses:
- Legal fees are negotiable between the client and the referred attorney, with the initial consultation fee potentially being waived.
- The Lawyer Referral Service emphasizes the importance of clarifying the distinction between fees and expenses before proceeding with legal work, encouraging clients to request a written fee agreement.
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Members of the United States Armed Forces:
- Some attorneys participating in the ASB Lawyer Referral Service offer a 25% discount to members of the United States Armed Forces.
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Referrals for Matters Outside of Alabama:
- The ASB Lawyer Referral Service focuses on legal matters within the State of Alabama. For matters outside the state, individuals are advised to consult the American Bar Association Lawyer Referral Directory.
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Legal Information and Self-Help Forms:
- Alabama Legal Help and the Alabama Access to Justice Commission websites contain information and self-help forms covering various legal issues.
- These resources offer basic information about legal rights, guidance on where to seek legal aid, and information about community resources.
- Alabama Legal Answers provides an online platform for individuals to ask legal questions at no charge.
In conclusion, the Alabama State Bar and its associated programs aim to facilitate access to legal assistance through a comprehensive range of services, ensuring that individuals in need can navigate the legal landscape effectively.
