It is often difficult to determine whether or not you need an attorney. If you have been accused of a crime, you will want to hire an attorney right away. But in other matters, there are community resources that may help individuals in difficult situations (for example: a labor dispute or a landlord/tennant issue).. Our referral specialists can help you determine if you need an attorney or if there are resources in the community that may be of assistance.   If you are unsure about whether or not you need an attorney, contact the Legal Referral and Information Service for guidance.

First, you need to determine the type of legal issue you are facing, and then you can determine the type of lawyer that will best serve your needs.  The type of lawyer you hire depends on his/her area of specialization, and your level of comfort with a particular attorney. You can find information about different areas of law below to help you determine the type of laywer you may need.  

Most lawyers charge an hourly rate for their service.   If you use our Legal Referral and Information Service, you will receive a FREE 30-minute consultation with the referred lawyer.   Within our referral program, we have lawyers to handle traditional services at an hourly rate, lawyers to handle basic, limited  legal needs for a flat fee, and lawyers who agree to a $75 hourly fee in family cases for clients with modest means, but are ineliglbe for legal aid.   

 

Regardless of how you get to a lawyer, you should always discuss future fees with the lawyer during the initial consultation. It is important to understand how the fees are determined and when they will need to be paid. The lawyer will provide a written agreement that states what the services will cost. In situations when it is impossible to determine the exact fee, an estimate can be provided. Remember you are under no obligation to engage the services of the lawyer after your initial consultation.

Some attorneys will accept cases at a reduced fee. Each situation is evaluated individually. If you have a family law case and you meet the qualficiations for the Modest Means program,  the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can make a referral to lawyers who have agreed to charge a reduced fee.