Facing a legal challenge in San Diego? Navigating the legal system can be daunting, but finding the right legal representation shouldn’t be. Since 1952, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) of the San Diego County Bar Association has been the trusted bridge connecting individuals and businesses with qualified San Diego Lawyers. Extending our services to Imperial County in 2020, LRIS ensures you have access to over 400 pre-screened attorneys ready to assist with your legal needs.
Your Trusted San Diego Lawyer Referral Service Since 1952
For decades, LRIS has been a cornerstone of the San Diego legal community, dedicated to providing reliable referrals to individuals seeking legal counsel. Our commitment to quality is unwavering. Every San Diego lawyer within our program undergoes a rigorous vetting process and must meet stringent criteria set by the San Diego County Bar Association LRIS Committee. This ensures that when you connect with a lawyer through LRIS, you are connecting with a professional who is qualified and experienced. We are proud to now offer this trusted service to the residents and businesses of Imperial County as well.
Note: If your legal needs extend beyond San Diego and Imperial Counties, the ABA National Directory is a valuable resource for finding lawyer referral services nationwide.
LRIS operates under the certification of both the State Bar of California and the American Bar Association, further solidifying our position as a reputable and dependable service.
As a public service of the San Diego County Bar Association, LRIS maintains its neutrality and is not affiliated with any private law firm or legal organization. Our sole purpose is to serve the public by facilitating access to legal help.
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How LRIS Helps You Find a Lawyer in San Diego
Referrals to Experienced San Diego Lawyers for Traditional Services
Our program boasts a diverse panel of San Diego lawyers practicing in over 40 areas of law throughout San Diego and Imperial County. Whether you require assistance with family law, business litigation, personal injury, or any other legal matter, our bilingual staff is equipped to connect you with a lawyer who specializes in the relevant field. When you are referred to one of our program lawyers, you are entitled to an initial consultation of up to 30 minutes, completely FREE of charge.* This consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your case and understand your legal options.
Affordable Flat Fee Programs for Basic Legal Needs in San Diego
Understanding that access to legal assistance should be affordable, LRIS offers flat-fee programs designed to address specific, common legal needs at a predictable cost. Our staff can refer you to a San Diego lawyer participating in these programs, ensuring you receive legal guidance without unexpected hourly fees. These flat-fee programs also include an initial 30-minute FREE* consultation.
Our flat-fee programs cover the following areas:
- Personal/Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: For individuals meeting specific qualifications, fees are $1000 for single filers and $1200 for joint filers. Details here.
- Incorporation and LLC Formation: Start-up businesses with a single shareholder or owner can access this service for $1000. More details.
- Revocable Trust and Last Will and Estate Plan: Estate planning services are available at $1000 for individuals and $1500 for married couples for a Last Will and Estate Plan. Revocable Trusts are offered at $2000 for individuals and $2500 for married couples. Learn more.
- Family Law (Limited Scope): Assistance with divorce or legal separation is available for $1500. Drafting motions for support or custody is offered at $1000. Click for details. Please note: Representation in court is not included in these flat-fee family law services. Lawyers provide guidance for self-representation. For those needing full representation and with limited resources, the Modest Means Program may be an option.
- Tenant Consultations: For residential tenant issues, the fee is $150. Mobile home issues are $180, and commercial lease consultations are $350. See details.
Modest Means Program: Access to Family Law Attorneys in San Diego
The Modest Means Program is tailored for individuals facing family law disputes who require legal representation but have limited financial resources and do not qualify for legal aid. This program covers areas such as divorce, legal separation, support enforcement, custody matters, name changes, and settlement agreements. Qualified clients are referred to a San Diego attorney who offers a FREE* 30-minute consultation and then charges a reduced hourly rate of no more than $150, with an initial deposit of $1500.
Note: To access the Modest Means Program for family law cases, clients must first complete an online Pre-Qualification form and application. Access forms here.
Commitment to Privacy
Your privacy is paramount. When you contact the San Diego Lawyer Referral and Information Service, the information you share is used solely to understand your legal needs and connect you with an appropriate lawyer or community resource. If a referral to a San Diego lawyer is made, we will inform the attorney of the referral and share your contact details and relevant information. This allows the attorney to effectively assist you and potentially reach out at their convenience. We assure you that your personal information is never shared with advertisers or other third parties.
* Initial Consultations Explained
The initial consultation, lasting up to 30 minutes, is a crucial step in the referral process. The San Diego attorney you connect with will use this time to evaluate if your case aligns with their practice area and to check for any potential conflicts of interest. If they can assist you, the attorney will listen to the details of your situation and discuss potential legal strategies. This consultation is provided without charge and serves to determine how the attorney can best help you and to discuss the costs of further legal services. Please note that we cannot guarantee that the attorney will accept your case or that you will agree on service fees.
How to File a Complaint
Should you have a complaint regarding a lawyer referred through LRIS or about the LRIS service itself, we encourage you to submit your complaint in writing to Michelle Chavez, Director of Public Services, at 330 A Street, San Diego, CA 92101, or via email at mchavez@sdcba.org.
For grievances concerning attorney misconduct, you will need to file a complaint with the State Bar of California. Please click here or call 800-843-9053 for instructions.
Complaints specifically about the LRIS program can also be directed to the State Bar of California at 800-843-9053.
Accreditations and Recognition
LRIS is proud to be recognized by leading organizations for our commitment to providing quality lawyer referral services.
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