Although Tel-Law information is periodically reviewed, it is important for you to realize that changes may occur in this area of law. This information is not intended to be legal advice regarding your particular problem, and it is not intended to replace the work of an attorney.

If you do not have an attorney, the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can help you. Online Lawyer Referral Service information and a fill-in form is available. Or you may contact the service by phone: The number to call from the Portland area is 503-684-3763 or toll-free from anywhere else in Oregon, 1-800-452-7636.

The following information regarding the lawyer referral service is brought to you as a public service by the lawyers of the State of Oregon. The material presented is intended to alert you to possible legal problems and solutions.

Need help finding a lawyer who handles your type of legal issue? The Oregon State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service provides information on the more than 1,300 lawyers statewide that have signed-up with the Lawyer Referral Service. The service can help you select the right lawyer based on practice area, location, and special services, including foreign language ability and license to practice law in other states. Participating lawyers agree to provide an initial in-office consultation for no more than $35.

The Lawyer Referral Service ensures that all participating lawyers are in good standing with the bar and carry professional liability coverage. The service does not rate or rank the lawyers, however, and does not have information on what a lawyer’s fees may be beyond the initial consultation.

Unfortunately, the Lawyer Referral Service is unable to maintain a list of pro bono or free lawyers. However, the service does offer a program called the Modest Means Program, which provides legal help at a reduced rate. Help is offered to qualified applicants based on income and assets, the type of case, and availability of participating lawyers in your county.

If you qualify for the Modest Means Program, your initial in-office visit will cost no more than $35, and the Modest Means lawyer will not charge more than $60 per hour for any service they provide after the first visit. To apply for the program, you must complete a Modest Means Client Application form and fax or mail it to the Lawyer Referral Service. The service will then contact you to let you know whether you qualify.

You can call the Lawyer Referral Service from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays at 503-684-3763 in Portland or toll-free elsewhere in Oregon at 800-452-7636. You can also request a referral online through the Oregon State Bar website.

If you are not sure whether or not you need to speak with a lawyer, you may still want to call the Lawyer Referral Service. The Lawyer Referral staff can help you focus on the type of help you may need, or give you more information about the Oregon State Bar, government resources, or community service programs that may be able to help you.

If you already have a lawyer and have concerns about the representation you have received, or if you have a complaint about a lawyer, you should contact the Oregon State Bar’s Client Assistance Office at 503-620-0222 or 800-452-8260. You may want to read to Tel-Law topic number 1175 If You Have a Problem With a Lawyer, before you call. Again, the Client Assistance Office numbers are 503-620-0222 and 800-452-8260.

Legal Editor:
George Wolff, Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Department Manager, November 2007.

This information is from the Oregon State Bar's Tel-law service, a collection of recorded legal information messages prepared by the lawyers of Oregon. In addition to being online, the Tel-law service is accessible by telephone at 503-620-3000 or toll-free in Oregon only, 1-800-452-4776. A touch tone phone allows direct access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To receive a free Tel-law brochure listing the subjects available call 503-620-0222, ext. 0.