Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. How do I get a referral to a lawyer through the Lawyer Referral and Information Service?

You either telephone us at (916) 564-6707 or fill out a “Request for Referral” form.   We will usually contact you by phone or email by the end of the next business day.  When you call us, please be prepared to explain your legal problem.   We will discuss your legal matter with you and, assuming that we believe that a referral to a lawyer is what you need, we will request payment of $30 and, once that is received, will give you an appropriate referral.

Q. How do I make my payment of $30 for the referral?

You can either make payment by a certified or cashier’s check mailed to our office, or we can take your Visa or Mastercard information over the telephone.(Note: There is no charge for our service on Personal Injury cases.)

Q. Do I have to hire the lawyer that I am referred to?

No, you are under no obligation to hire the attorney you are referred to.

Q.  If my first referral doesn’t work out, can I get a referral to another lawyer?

Yes, we will make up to three referrals per case.  They are given to you one at a time.

Q. Do you provide lists of attorneys who handle particular areas of law?

No, sorry, we do not provide lists of attorneys.

Q.   Can I come in and speak with an LRIS staff member about my case?

No, we are unable to provide walk-in help.  Please contact us by telephone or email.

Q. Can you refer me to a “specialist” or an “expert” in a particular area of law?

No, we do not make referrals to specialists or experts.  The members of the Lawyer Referral and Information Service are competent and experienced in the area of law you request.

Q. I am located outside of Sacramento, but have a legal matter pending in Sacramento, can I get a referral to a lawyer who will talk with me by telephone?

Yes, your 30 minute consultation can either be in the lawyer’s office or on the  telephone.

Q. What do you do with the information I give you about myself or my case?

That information is for our files only.  We need your name so we can let the lawyer know to expect your call.  We need your address so that we can send you a survey asking you to rate the quality of our service.  You will not receive any other mailings from us and your information will not be given to any other organizations or businesses.

Q. Can you refer me to a free attorney?

Sorry, no, we are unable to make a referral to pro bono attorneys.  If you are low income and cannot afford to hire an attorney, and have a civil legal matter, you may wish to contact the Voluntary Legal Services Program of Northern California, the pro bono organization sponsored by the Sacramento County Bar Association, at (916) 551-2102.  Their web site can be found at www.vlsp.org.