Navigating the legal landscape can be complex, especially when attorneys venture outside their primary areas of expertise or when Oregonians seek legal assistance. The Oregon State Bar (OSB) recognizes these challenges and offers a suite of Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral services designed to support both attorneys and the public. These programs, including the Lawyer to Lawyer service, the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS), the Modest Means Program (MMP), and Problem Solvers, provide valuable connections and resources within the Oregon legal community.
Accessing Expert Advice with the Lawyer to Lawyer Program
The Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer to Lawyer program is a unique resource designed to facilitate peer-to-peer support among Oregon attorneys. This service connects attorneys who are working in an unfamiliar area of law with seasoned Oregon State Bar lawyers who are willing to offer informal guidance. These experienced attorneys, known as Resource Lawyers, provide brief telephone consultations at no cost, offering a valuable lifeline for attorneys navigating unfamiliar legal territory.
When you utilize the Lawyer to Lawyer service, you can expect a confidential and efficient process. Oregon attorneys can call the designated service number and receive the names and phone numbers of three Resource Lawyers specializing in the relevant area of law. To maintain confidentiality, callers are not required to provide their names. To ensure fair distribution and prevent overburdening Resource Lawyers, the attorney listings are rotated regularly after each referral.
Download Lawyer to Lawyer Program Areas of Law and Registration Form
To explore the comprehensive list of legal areas covered by Resource Lawyers or to contribute your expertise by registering as a Resource Lawyer, please click the link above to access the application form in PDF format. For direct access to the Lawyer to Lawyer service, please dial (503) 620-0222 extension 408, or toll-free within Oregon at (800) 452-8260 extension 408.
Connecting Clients with Legal Counsel Through the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS)
For members of the public seeking legal representation, the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) offers a vital pathway to connect with qualified Oregon State Bar lawyers. Operating since 1971, the LRS is a non-profit program that provides statewide referrals across all major areas of law. Last year alone, the LRS successfully referred over 45,000 potential clients to its panel member lawyers, demonstrating its significant impact on access to justice in Oregon.
Attorneys participating in the LRS panel agree to provide an initial consultation to referred clients for a nominal fee of no more than $35. This accessible consultation fee ensures that individuals can explore their legal options without significant financial burden. For attorneys, the LRS presents an affordable and effective client development tool. With a basic annual registration fee of just $100 ($50 for new admittees), LRS membership offers a valuable return on investment. Furthermore, LRS fees contribute to supporting other essential public service programs offered by the Oregon State Bar, reinforcing the Bar’s commitment to the community.
Download the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) Registration Form
Interested in joining the Lawyer Referral Service? Download the LRS registration form in PDF format via the link above to learn more and apply.
Modest Means Program (MMP): Affordable Legal Services for Moderate-Income Clients
Recognizing the gap in legal services for individuals who earn too much to qualify for legal aid but still face financial constraints, the Oregon State Bar established the Modest Means Program (MMP). This program bridges the access to justice gap by matching lower-middle income clients with private Oregon State Bar lawyers who offer reduced-fee legal services. Referrals through the MMP are carefully considered based on client income and assets, the nature of the legal case, and the availability of participating attorneys. The MMP ensures that affordable legal assistance is within reach for those who might otherwise be unable to afford representation.
Problem Solvers: Guiding Adolescents Through Legal Questions
The Oregon State Bar’s commitment to serving the community extends to younger populations through the Problem Solvers program. Administered by the LRS, Problem Solvers is an informal service designed to provide adolescents with access to legal information. This program offers young adults a free 30-minute informational conference with a volunteer attorney in their local area. Oregon State Bar lawyer volunteers participating in Problem Solvers offer a valuable community service with minimal time commitment, providing guidance and support to young people navigating legal questions. Attorneys interested in volunteering for this program can easily indicate their interest by checking the Problem Solvers line on the LRS registration form.
For further details about the Referral and Information Service (RIS) programs, or to request registration forms via mail, please contact the RIS staff directly at (503) 620-0222 extension 408, or toll-free at (800) 452-8260 extension 408. You can also reach out via email at [email protected]. Please be aware that the LRS program year commences on July 1st annually, and annual registration fees are not prorated. Applications are not accepted after April 1st of any program year. Recruitment for the Modest Means Program takes place in September.
