The Alabama State Bar is committed to promoting public access to high quality legal services regardless of financial or other circumstances. The following information is offered to those who are seeking legal assistance and are not sure where to begin in their search for an attorney or other legal help.
- Volunteer Lawyers Programs (civil only, not criminal)
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More than 3,000 Alabama lawyers provide free legal services to low-income citizens in certain civil matters through the five volunteer lawyers programs in this state. The volunteer lawyers programs also provide free legal assistance to community-based organizations that improve the lives of low-income Alabamians. To see if you qualify for pro bono help, call or visit the websites for the program serving the county in which you live:
Birmingham Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program (Jefferson County)
(205) 250-5198
www.vlpbirmingham.orgMadison County Volunteer Lawyers Program
(256) 539-2275
www.vlpmadisoncounty.orgMontgomery Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program (Montgomery County)
(334) 265-0222South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program (Mobile, Baldwin, Washington and Clarke counties)
(251) 438-1102 or (855) 997-2857
www.savlp.orgAlabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program (all other counties)
(888) 857-8571 - Legal Services Alabama (civil only, not criminal)
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Legal Services Alabama (“LSA”) is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides qualifying low-income families across all 67 counties of Alabama with free civil legal aid in a wide variety of areas. LSA operates from eight offices with one located in Anniston, Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Selma and Tuscaloosa.To apply for free legal aid in Alabama, call 866-456-4995 or apply online.
LSA provides a full range of services, including:
- Counsel and advice
- Mediation
- Administrative representation
- Representation in court
- Appeals in appropriate cases
- Legal self-help materials and forms
It is Legal Services Alabama’s goal to help people and families move toward self-sufficiency through assisting them with their legal needs.
- Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service (all types of legal matters - FEES APPLY)
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The Lawyer Referral Service (“LRS”) is a program offered by the Alabama State Bar Association designed to assist the public in locating an attorney who can be retained to assist with their general legal need. Attorneys who participate in the ASB Lawyer Referral Service agree to charge not more than $50 for an initial 30 minute consultation. Following the initial consultation, the potential client and referred attorney will negotiate a fee for the services required.
If you live in Jefferson County, the Birmingham Bar Association operates its own lawyer referral service. Call (205) 251-8006 for more information or to get a referral.
How Does the Lawyer Referral Service Work?
The Lawyer Referral Service is a simple process initiated by calling our toll free number (1-800-392-5660) or by clicking on the link below
You will be asked to briefly state the reason you are seeking an attorney. All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence. The Lawyer Referral Service representative will ask you for general contact information and will then provide you the name of a lawyer located near you, practicing in the area of law your need requires, if one is available. LRS will not provide lists of attorneys.
To receive a referral through the Alabama State Bar’s website, you must agree to the Terms of Service and choose the area of law and the type of legal issue.
Please note, we cannot provide referrals through email requests; only through the toll free number or the link on this page.
When you receive a referral, it is your responsibility to contact the lawyer to make an appointment to discuss your legal matter. The Lawyer Referral Service cannot make appointments for callers. When you call to make your appointment with the lawyer, be sure to tell him or her that the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service has referred you.
When is the Lawyer Referral Service Open?
The Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service’s toll free number (1-800-392-5660) operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m.to 4:30 p.m. Referrals through this website are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Legal Fees and Expenses
Legal fees will be negotiated between you and the attorney referred to you. Only the initial consultation fee is directed by the Alabama State Bar. All other fees are at the discretion of the attorney. When discussing the cost of representation with the referred attorney please make sure you distinguish between the fees and expenses such as filing fees and other third-party fees charged to your matter. Lawyers charge based on the time and type of work involved, the difficulty in solving the problem, and your needs as a client. The Lawyer Referral Service encourages you to ask for a written fee agreement before you proceed with any legal work beyond the first 30-minute consultation.
Members of the United States Armed Forces
Some attorneys who participate in the ASB Lawyer Referral Service offer a 25% discount to members of the United States Armed Forces. If you are a member of the U. S. Armed Forces, please call 800-392-5660 for a referral. At this time, the online Lawyer Referral Service does not indicate which lawyers provide legal representation for members of the military at a discounted rate.
Referrals for Matters Outside of Alabama
The ASB Lawyer Referral Service cannot help you to find a lawyer for a legal matter outside the State of Alabama. If you need a lawyer outside of Alabama, please consult the American Bar Association Lawyer Referral Directory.
Thank you for using the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service.
AlabamaLawyers.org the is an online directory that includes every licensed lawyer in Alabama. You can find and compare lawyers by county or city. In the Lawyer Profiles, you can also find and compare participating lawyers by type of case and type of fee. Lawyer Profiles are multi-page profiles that include each lawyer’s education, experience, areas of practice, memberships, admissions, geographic areas served, office map and a secure online email form.
To continue to the Lawyer Referral Service form, click here:
- Legal Information and Self-Help Forms
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Alabama Legal Help (operated by Legal Services Alabama) and the website of the Alabama Access to Justice Commission contain information and self-help forms regarding a wide variety of legal issues, including family law, public benefits, housing, consumer issues, health law, elder law, immigration and guardianships. You can get basic information about your legal rights, learn where to go for legal aid and assistance, and find out about other community resources. Another website, Alabama Legal Answers, allows you to ask a lawyer a question online at no charge.