LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE

This service is certified as a lawyer referral service as required by the State of Texas under Article 320d, Revised Statutes. Certificate No. 9302

LEGAL PROBLEM? Call (214) 220-7444
Do you think you may have a legal problem? Buying or selling a home or property?
Dispute about wages, working conditions, or unfair discrimination?
Credit problems or bankruptcy? Signing a contract?
Marital or family problems? Writing a will?

Find help through the Dallas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (LRS). They can help you find a lawyer that has experience with your particular type of legal problem.

The LRS is a non-profit, public service of the Dallas Bar Association that refers more than 1,500 callers to private-practicing attorneys each month. Referrals are made to experienced private lawyers by area of law, location (if available) and by foreign language (if available). The LRS screens all attorney-panelists for experience and checks to see that they are licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. LRS attorneys are also required to maintain professional liability insurance.

HOW THE REFERRAL SERVICE WORKS:
1. Call the Lawyer Referral Service at (214) 220-7444 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Se habla Español.
2. You will be interviewed over the phone by an LRS staff member to determine the nature of the problem.
3. You will be given the name of a qualified lawyer that has experience with your type of legal problem.
4. A $20 initial fee will be charged for the first 30-minute consultation with the lawyer.
5. If further legal service is required and you choose to hire the lawyer, fee arrangements will be made between you and your lawyer.

WHAT IF I JUST NEED SOME LEGAL INFORMATION?
LegalLine is a free service sponsored by the Dallas Bar Association to provide answers to legal questions over the phone. Volunteer attorneys answer calls on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays of each month between 5:15 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The number to call is (214) 220-7476.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR WORKING WITH A LAWYER
Ask about cost. If your problem will require more work beyond the first half-hour, remember to ask for the lawyer's fees in writing. You do not have to hire the lawyer after the initial consultation. It is very important to find a lawyer with whom you are comfortable. You have "hired" a lawyer when you agree to allow him/her to do more legal work for you.
Be prepared. When you call the lawyer for an appointment, ask what papers you should bring to the first half-hour consultation. Be ready to give the lawyer all background information relating to the situation. You may also wish to prepare questions to ask the lawyer.
Be efficient. If you do hire a lawyer, don't make unnecessary phone calls to the attorney. Most lawyers charge for time spent on the phone with a client. Keep a list of all items you want to check with your lawyer and cover them in one phone call or ask them at your next scheduled appointment.
Keep records. File any material you receive from your lawyer in one place. Your file is often the best way to answer questions about your case.