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 British Columbia and operated by the Canadian Bar Association British Columbia Branch. 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 tax.
Lawyers voluntarily join the service so not all lawyers in British Columbia 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, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 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 tax). 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.
What are the benefits of the Lawyer Referral Service?
The Lawyer Referral Service will help you to find a lawyer who practises in the area of law that meets your needs. The service can also help you to find a lawyer who meets specific requirements such as speaking a certain language or accepts Legal Aid. If available, lawyers participating in the service will offer you up to a half-hour consultation for $25 plus tax. After the consultation, you can decide if you want to hire the lawyer to work for you.
What happens when I call the Lawyer Referral Service?
When you call the Lawyer Referral Service, an operator will answer and ask you some questions like:
- What is the issue regarding?
- Where in British Columbia do you want to meet with a lawyer?
The operator can also assist you with your special needs – for instance, finding a lawyer who speaks a certain language, called to another Bar (Province) or accepts Legal Aid. When there’s a match, you will be given the name and telephone number of a lawyer.
Call the lawyer’s office to arrange a meeting. Be sure to inform the lawyer you were referred by the Lawyer Referral Service. If the lawyer is not available when you call, please leave your name and number and allow the lawyer 24 hours to return your call.
I met with the lawyer though LRS but didn’t feel comfortable. Can I find another lawyer?
Yes, definitely. You are under no obligation to hire the lawyer whose name you got from the Lawyer Referral Service.
Lawyer Referral Service
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