While we cannot provide any legal advice or answer any legal questions, we can refer you to a lawyer who may be able to assist you with your legal matter. When you call us for a referral we will ask you for your name, phone number, location, and a brief description of your legal problem. We will then provide you with the name and telephone number of a lawyer who can help you with your legal matter and who is close to you or the location where assistance is needed. You will need to make an appointment to meet with the attorney for a consultation about your legal issues.
When you are referred to a Lawyer Referral Service attorney, your first in-office consultation will be no more than $35. If you are not in Oregon and cannot meet with the lawyer in person, however, we cannot guarantee the $35 in-office consultation fee. Any additional fees must be arranged between you and the lawyer. We do not set a limit on the fees attorneys charge beyond the initial consultation.
Please note that all of our panelist attorneys do charge for their services. The LRS does not have any free or “pro bono” lawyers other than the special programs for children and military servicemembers, which are described below.
If you are unsure if you need to speak with an attorney, you may still want to call the Lawyer Referral Service. We can help you focus on the type of assistance you may need, or give you more information about other Oregon State Bar, government, and community service programs that also may be able to assist you.
Phone: 503-684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at 800-452-7636.
| Online Referral Request Form |
Oregon lawyers created the Modest Means Program to help moderate-income Oregonians find affordable legal assistance. Eligibility for the program is based upon type of legal matter, applicant income and assets, and availability of participating attorneys. If you qualify for the program, the Modest Means attorney will charge you no more than $60 per hour for any additional legal work provided to you beyond the initial consultation.
The Modest Means Program is only available for family law, criminal defense, and landlord/tenant matters at the trial court level (appeals are not covered by the program). Please note that there are a limited number of attorneys participating in the Modest Means Program, and there may not be a Modest Means attorney in your county.
To apply, complete the Modest Means Application and mail it to the address printed on the application or fax it to (503) 431-6444. Please be sure to provide a confidential e-mail address and/or telephone number at which we can reach you during the day.
We will contact you within one (1) business day of receipt of your application to let you know whether you qualify for the program. If you do qualify, we will give you the name and phone number of a Modest Means attorney in your area and let you know what the attorney’s hourly rate will be. If you do not qualify for the program we can refer you to a Lawyer Referral Service attorney or discuss other options.
Once you are given the name and number of a Modest Means attorney to contact you will need to make an appointment to meet with the attorney for a consultation about your legal issues. The attorney will charge you $35 for your first in-office consultation. If you hire the attorney you will be asked to pay a retainer (deposit against fees) up front. The amount of the retainer will depend on the attorney's estimate of how much work will be required to complete your case. You will also be responsible for any court fees and other direct costs, such as long-distance phone charges and photocopying expenses.
Please note that the attorney will receive a copy of your application and may ask additional questions to confirm your eligibility for the program. The attorney has the final say in the qualification process.
Please also remember that the Modest Means Program is not a “pro bono” or free program. You must be able to pay for any services you receive. If you are unable to pay these fees, you should contact the legal aid office in your county of residence.
Hours: 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm Monday-Friday
Phone: 503-684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at 800-452-7636.
Download a PDF of our Modest Means Application
The Military Assistance Panel matches deployed servicemembers and their dependents with lawyers willing to provide up to 2 hours of legal advice at no charge. Our lawyer volunteers have been trained to provide legal assistance relating to the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act (SCRA), and are also able to help with a wide range of other legal matters.
Hours: 8 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm Monday-Friday
Phone: 503-684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at 800-452-7636.
Download applicant information (PDF)
Oregon lawyers volunteer as Problem Solvers to offer free legal information and advice to children. Any young person between the ages of 11 and 17 can call to request a referral to this program. Volunteer attorneys agree to provide a free thirty-minute consultation. There are a limited number of attorneys in the program. Call to find out about availability in your area.
Hours: 8 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm Monday-Friday
Phone: 503-684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at 800-452-7636.