If you are a member of the public seeking legal assistance, the following information may assist you.

The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is funded by the Law Foundation of BC and operated by the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association. The LRS program enables the public to access lawyers practicing in the field of law required for the particular situation and provides the opportunity to have a consultation with a lawyer for up to 30 minutes for a fee of $25 plus taxes.

Lawyers voluntarily join the service so not all lawyers in BC are registered on the LRS program. After the consultation, the fees to be charged are strictly between the lawyer and the client. The lawyer is not obliged to accept the applicant’s case and the applicant is under no obligation to retain the lawyer.

How to Use the Lawyer Referral Service
The Lawyer Referral Service operates by telephone service. Please call during business hours, 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday at 604.687.3221 or 1.800.663.1919. Operators are available to take your call. Once the area of law is determined the operator will provide you with the name and telephone number of a lawyer in your geographical area. You contact the lawyer to set up an appointment to meet. You are entitled to up to a half hour consultation for $25 (plus taxes). This consultation is to determine whether or not you have a legal problem. If you know you have a legal problem and need to hire a lawyer, the Lawyer Referral Service can help you find a lawyer at their regular rate. Out-of-province and country requests can email lawyerreferral@bccba.org.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a consultation?
It is a consultation between you and a lawyer to find out if you have a legal problem. Consultations are available only one per lawyer on a single issue.

Who sets up the consultation with the lawyer?
You have to make the appointment with the lawyer and tell both the lawyer and the receptionist that the Lawyer Referral Service referred you.

What happens after the consultation?
If you and the lawyer agree to proceed with legal action, you may hire the lawyer at their regular rate. Rates are strictly between you and the lawyer after the meeting.

What if I just want the lawyer to read or sign a document?
This will not be a part of the 30-minute consultation and the lawyer has the right to charge you their regular rate.

What if I already know that I have a legal problem?
Lawyer Referral Service can assist you by providing you with a lawyer’s name and telephone number for your legal problem at the lawyer’s regular rate.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer but need help?
There are other services available to assist you. Tell the operator that you would like to be directed to services that provide assistance to those who cannot afford a lawyer.

Lawyer Referral Services in Canada
Alberta
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Québec
Saskatchewan
Yukon

Courts and Judiciary
Court of Appeal of British Columbia
Provincial Court of British Columbia
Supreme Court of British Columbia