Rhode Island Bar Association
If you don’t have a lawyer and think you have a legal problem, the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service may be able to direct you to an attorney who concentrates in the problem area. When you call the Lawyer Referral and Information Service, you will be asked to state your problem briefly. Any information you provide will be held in the strictest confidence. After listening to your problem, the service will take your name, address, and telephone number. Should you wish to apply for reduced-fee services, you will also be asked for financial information. Based on the information you provide, Lawyer Referral will give you the name and telephone number of an attorney in your community with whom you can meet to discuss your problem. It will be your responsibility to contact the lawyer to make an appointment for a consultation. The service is unable to make appointments for callers.
Lawyers participating in the service have agreed to provide an initial consultation of up to one-half hour free of charge. If it is determined that additional legal work is required, it will be your decision to continue legal services. It is suggested that you discuss the attorney’s fees during your first visit. If you decide to hire the lawyer to continue working in your behalf, you will be responsible for the legal fees. There is no obligation on your part or the lawyer’s to go beyond the one-half hour consultation. If your initial contact cannot handle your problem, you may request an additional referral.
The Lawyer Referral and Information Service is designed to serve anyone who can afford the services of a lawyer. If you are financially eligible, a reduced-fee service is available. Persons who have a legal problem and cannot afford a lawyer will be directed, if possible, to another public service program or human service agency for assistance.
The Rhode Island Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP), funded through a grant from Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. and the Rhode Island Bar Foundation, provides pro bono (free) legal services to qualified low-income Rhode Islanders. Participating attorneys provide legal assistance at no charge. The client’s income must qualify under federally regulated guidelines to receive pro bono assistance, and the case must fall under one of the areas of law handled by the VLP. Clients may be responsible for filing fees, court costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Se habla español.