Lawyer Referral Service in Baltimore City

Since 1954, the Bar Association of Baltimore City (BABC) has sponsored a Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS). The service helps individuals and businesses find a local attorney in the Baltimore Metropolitan area focused on a particular practice area of the law.

The LRIS in Baltimore is accredited by the American Bar Association and recognized for meeting the ABA's high standards. It is also recognized by the Maryland State Bar Association. The LRIS has a "No Walk-in Policy” so call for assistance.

Using the Lawyer Referral Service in Baltimore City, MD

When you call the Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) you will speak directly with an Intake Specialists working for the Bar Association of Baltimore City (BABC). The intake specialist will help you determine which services might be best for your particular situation. If you need a referral to an attorney, the service can select an attorney on a rotating basis with experience in the needed practice area.

The attorneys that participate in the LRIS have agreed to provide a 30 minute consultation in exchange for a $35 consultation fee. The fee is waived for cases involving Personal Injury, Lead Paint, Malpractice, Social Security Disability, SSI, Unemployment, Worker’s Compensation. The fee is also waived for all active members serving in the U.S. Military.

After you receive the referral you can contact the attorney to schedule the 30 minute consultation. During the consultation, you can discuss your legal concerns as well as the attorney fees needed for additional representation.

The lawyer referral service can help you find a local attorney that speak a second language, including Spanish. The service in Baltimore City has more than 30 different practice areas of the law including personal injury, auto accidents, business law, bankruptcy, elder law, employment law, family law, divorce, immigration law, probate, trusts, real estate law, social security disability, tax law, and workers' compensation.

In order to participate on an Attorney Panel, the attorney must:

• complete an application;
• pay the required fees;
• be admitted to the Court of Appeals of Maryland;
• be in good standing with the Maryland State Bar;
• be current on the payment of the annual assessment to the Client Security Trust Fund of Maryland;
• have no pending criminal charges or convictions involving moral turpitude or violence;
• maintain malpractice insurance of a minimum amount of $100,000;
• agree to arbitrate fee disputes arising from the Services’ referrals through the Associations Fee Arbitration Committee;
• supply update information regarding referrals as requested;
• abide by minimum qualifications and mentor policies as set forth in the Services’ application packet;
• provide a written retainer agreement for all legal services provided.

The BABC's Attorney Hotline

In addition to the Lawyer Referral and Information Service, the Bar Association of Baltimore City also operates a hotline. Volunteer Attorneys throughout Baltimore City are in the office Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to talk with you about your legal concerns during a free phone consultation.

Those attorneys are ready to answer you general legal questions. If you need more assistance, you can request a referral to an experienced attorney for a more detailed 30 minute consultation.

Finding an Attorney in Baltimore

If you need to find an attorney in Baltimore, then consider the benefits of using a Lawyer Referral Service sponsored by the Bar Association of Baltimore City (BABC). The local bar association operates a LRIS and a hotline using volunteer attorneys.

At Lawyer Legion, we understand the importance of Lawyer Referral Services in Maryland. These non-profit community based services provide important advantages over searching the internet or using an online attorney directory.