Lawyer Referral Service

LRS celebrates 60 years

The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is funded by the Law Foundation of British Columbia and operated by the Canadian Bar Association British Columbia Branch (CBABC). The LRS program enables the public to access lawyers and provides the opportunity to have a consultation with a lawyer for up to 30 minutes for a fee of $25 plus taxes.

Lawyers voluntarily join the service so not all lawyers in British Columbia are registered on the LRS program. After the consultation, the fees to be charged are strictly between the lawyer and the client. The lawyer is not obliged to accept the applicant’s case and the applicant is under no obligation to retain the lawyer.

Call: 604.687.3221 or 1.800.663.1919 | Mon - Fri, 8:00am to 5:00pm

How to Use the Lawyer Referral Service

The Lawyer Referral Service operates by telephone. Please call during business hours, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday at 604.687.3221 or 1.800.663.1919. Once the area of law is determined the operator will provide you with the name and telephone number of a lawyer in your geographical area. You contact the lawyer to set up an appointment to meet. You are entitled to up to a half hour consultation for $25 plus taxes. If you know you have a legal problem and need to hire a lawyer, the Lawyer Referral Service can help you find a lawyer at their regular rate. Out-of-province and country requests can email lawyerreferral@cbabc.org.

Looking to Volunteer?

We are always looking to add new lawyers to the Lawyer Referral Service. Visit our Initiatives page for more details and an application form.

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What is a consultation?
It is a discussion between you and a lawyer to find out if you have a legal problem. Consultations are available only one per lawyer on a single issue.
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Who sets up the consultation with the lawyer?

You have to make the appointment with the lawyer and tell both the lawyer and the receptionist that the Lawyer Referral Service referred you.

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What happens after the consultation?

If you and the lawyer agree to proceed with legal action, you may hire the lawyer at their regular rate. Rates are strictly between you and the lawyer after the meeting.

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What if I just want the lawyer to read or sign a document?

This will not be a part of the 30-minute consultation and the lawyer has the right to charge you their regular rate.

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What if I already know that I have a legal problem?
Lawyer Referral Service can assist you by providing you with a lawyer’s name and telephone number for your legal problem at the lawyer’s regular rate.
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What if I cannot afford a lawyer but need help?

There are other services available to assist you. Tell the operator that you would like to be directed to services that provide assistance to those who cannot afford a lawyer.

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What are the benefits of the Lawyer Referral Service?

The Lawyer Referral Service will help you to find a lawyer who practises in the area of law that meets your needs. The service can also help you to find a lawyer who meets specific requirements such as speaking a certain language or accepts Legal Aid. If available, lawyers participating in the service will offer you up to a half-hour consultation for $25 plus tax. After the consultation, you can decide if you want to hire the lawyer to work for you.

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What happens when I call the Lawyer Referral Service?

When you call the Lawyer Referral Service, an operator will ask you various questions to determine your legal needs.

The operator can also assist you with your special needs – for instance, finding a lawyer who speaks a certain language, called to another Bar (Province) or accepts Legal Aid. When there’s a match, you will be given the name and telephone number of a lawyer.

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I met with the lawyer through LRS but didn't feel comfortable. Can I find another lawyer?

Yes, definitely. You are under no obligation to hire the lawyer whose name you got from the Lawyer Referral Service.

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What happens if I have a complaint about the lawyer I was referred to by the Lawyer Referral Service?

The Canadian Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service does not have the authority to review the conduct and competence of lawyers practising in BC. Check Dial-A-Law script 436, called "If you have a problem with your lawyer." If you wish to receive a referral to another lawyer, call the Lawyer Referral Service and ask to be referred to another lawyer.

To file a complaint you must go through The Law Society of BC.  The Law Society of BC’s website is www.lawsociety.bc.ca, select the tab “Complaints-and-Discipline.”