FAQs

Do You Need Free Legal Assistance?

The Milwaukee Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (MBA LRIS) has no ability to provide free legal services or referrals to attorneys that provide free legal services. Click here for a directory of free legal service providers. 

How Does it Work?

After screening your call to determine what type of legal help you need, the MBA LRIS will refer you to a lawyer who practices in that area of law or to an community service agency that might be able to assist you. Referrals are based on the type of help you need, your geographic location, and the language you speak. LRS does not provide free legal services. All information received is strictly confidential.

Telephone referrals are available from 8:30am to 5:00 pm and web access referrals are available on this website 24 hours a day. If you are confused about what type of lawyer you need, our friendly staff will assist. Trained LRIS staff will ask a series of questions in order to determine your needs. LRIS staff cannot give legal advice. You will be given the name and number of a lawyer or given the name and number of another company or agency that may help.

Is There A Fee For Contacting LRS?

The referral is free. If you consult with a lawyer, you will be charged only $20 for up to thirty minutes. Lawyers will charge for their services if you decide to hire the attorney.

Do I Need A Lawyer?

If you are confused about whether not you need to consult with or hire a lawyer, call the MBA LRIS. We may be able to refer you to an agency that will solve your problem without the need to hire a lawyer.

Will The Attorney Charge A Fee?

In most cases you will be charged a nominal consultation fee ($20) for up to thirty minutes in the lawyer's office. After the first thirty minutes, you are subject to their upfront retainer and hourly rates so be certain to understand the legal fees before you proceed.

What If I Need Legal Help After The Initial Thirty Minutes?

If you need further legal services, there will be additional legal fees that you and your lawyer will agree upon before you proceed. Be sure to ask for a fee agreement in writing if you wish to continue legal services.

Do You Provide A List Of Lawyers?

We generally make one referral at a time. You should make sure you feel comfortable with that lawyer, both personally and financially, before hiring them. If the referral does not work out for you, you may contact the referral service for an additional referral. We cannot make a referrals based on age, gender, race, or religion of the lawyer.

Can You Recommend An Attorney?

We cannot indicate our personal preferences. All the lawyers on our panel go through a screening process, are active members in good standing with the State Bar of Wisconsin and most participate with their local bar association.