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 1,100 lawyers statewide who have signed-up with the service. The Lawyer Referral 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.
The Lawyer Referral Service does not maintain a list of pro bono or free lawyers; however, the bar does offer a 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 OSB Modest Means Program, your initial in-office visit will cost no more than $35. And, depending upon your income and assets, the modest means lawyer will not charge more than $60, $80 or $100 per hour for any service provided after the first visit. To apply for the program, you must complete a Modest Means Program application and submit it via fax, email or U.S. mail. The program will then contact you to let you know whether you qualify, and provide you with the lawyer's name and contact information if you do.
You can download a Modest Means Program application online at www.oregonstatebar.org.You can also request a Lawyer Referral Service referral at www.oregonstatebar.org. Or, call the Lawyer Referral Service from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (503) 684-3763 in Portland or toll-free elsewhere in Oregon at (800) 452-7636.
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. 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 assist you.
Updated September 2011.