Educational guide
Using a California Certified Lawyer Referral Service
A practical checklist for using a lawyer referral service certified by the State Bar of California. This is general information, not individualized legal advice or an endorsement of any attorney.
- Use the State Bar's certified Lawyer Referral Service directory rather than relying on an unverified referral website. California law requires lawyer referral services to be certified and meet minimum consumer-protection standards.
- Search by the county where help is needed, the relevant area of law and any language preference. A referral service can ask screening questions and connect you with a lawyer who handles that type of problem.
- Describe the legal issue briefly and factually, including any upcoming court, claim or notice deadline. A referral service may also identify another type of assistance when hiring a lawyer is not the appropriate next step.
- Before scheduling, ask whether there is a consultation fee, how long the consultation lasts and what documents to bring. A referral is an introduction, not a promise that the lawyer will accept the matter or that a particular result will follow.
- The State Bar says lawyers participating in certified referral services must be in good standing and carry professional liability insurance. Still review the individual lawyer's State Bar profile for current license status and public discipline history.
- Use the first consultation to ask who will handle the work, how communication will occur, what services are included and how fees and case expenses will be calculated. Get the final agreement in writing before hiring.
- Compare more than one qualified option when time permits. Consider relevant experience, communication, proposed scope and costs rather than advertising claims or guarantees.
- If a referral service appears uncertified or you have a complaint about how it operated, use the State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service complaint information. Do not let a referral search delay an urgent legal deadline.
Official resources
This guide provides general information only and is not legal or medical advice. Rules and individual circumstances differ. In an emergency, call 911.