Lawyer Referral & Information Service ico

Lawyer Referral & Information Service

Lawyers Near MeMassachusettsHampden CountySpringfieldMetro CenterState Street

50 State St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

3.0

I have repeatedly been harassed about selling my home the pass 2 + years. I have received calls from the same male and females that. I have told them I'm not interested in sell. I have told them my family lives in my home and we wouldn't have anywhere else to go. They still call, sometimes pretend to be accidentally calling the wrong number or calling for a different reason, but the call always ends with them asking me to sell my home. They don't call as frequently lately, but they still call.

T
  • Overview
  • (413) 732-4648
  • www.hcbar.org

Hours

Monday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Lawyer Referral & Information Service Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For residents across Massachusetts, particularly within Hampden County and the greater Western Massachusetts region, navigating the legal system can be a complex and often overwhelming endeavor. When you need legal advice or representation, knowing where to start can be the biggest hurdle. This is precisely where the Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS), sponsored by the Hampden County Bar Association, plays a vital role. Located in Springfield, MA, this service acts as a crucial bridge, connecting individuals and businesses with qualified private attorneys who can address a wide array of legal concerns.

Unlike a law firm that directly provides legal advice, the LRIS is a public service designed to help you find the right legal professional for your specific situation. It aims to simplify the process of identifying a suitable attorney by referring you to lawyers who are licensed to practice in Massachusetts, are in good standing with the Hampden County Bar Association, and have experience in the particular area of law you need. This service is a valuable community resource, helping ensure that Massachusetts residents have access to competent legal assistance when they need it most.

Location and Accessibility

The Lawyer Referral & Information Service is conveniently located in the heart of Springfield, Massachusetts, at 50 State St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA. This central address makes it highly accessible for residents throughout Hampden County and the wider Western Massachusetts area. Being situated on State Street means the office is in a prominent and easily identifiable part of the city.

For those traveling by car, downtown Springfield offers various parking options, though it's always advisable to check for availability and potential costs beforehand. Springfield also benefits from a robust public transportation network, including bus services, which can provide a convenient way to reach the office for individuals without private vehicle access. The location's ease of access reinforces the service's commitment to being a readily available resource for all Massachusetts residents in need of legal connections. Its presence within the Hampden County Bar Association's framework further ensures its integration into the local legal community, benefiting those it serves directly within the Commonwealth.

Services Offered

The Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) of the Hampden County Bar Association provides a distinct and valuable set of services aimed at connecting the public with appropriate legal counsel. It is important to understand that the LRIS itself does not provide legal advice or directly handle cases; rather, it facilitates the connection between individuals and private attorneys. Its key services include:

  • Attorney Referrals: The primary service is to refer members of the public to private attorneys who are experienced in specific practice areas. When you contact the LRIS, a trained staff person will ask you a few questions about your legal problem during a confidential consultation to determine the appropriate area of law.
  • Pre-Screened Attorneys: The service maintains a panel of attorneys who have applied to participate. These attorneys are licensed in Massachusetts, in good standing with the Hampden County Bar Association, and carry malpractice insurance. They must also meet established experience requirements for the specific practice areas they serve on. This pre-screening process helps ensure that clients are referred to qualified professionals.
  • Initial Consultation Arrangement: If a referral is made, the participating attorneys agree to charge no more than $25 for an initial half-hour consultation. This low-cost initial meeting allows you to discuss your case with the attorney, understand potential legal strategies, and inquire about their fees for further representation without a significant upfront financial commitment.
  • Reduced Fee Program: For individuals with limited income who meet specific eligibility criteria, the LRIS offers a Reduced Fee Program. Panel members in this program are private attorneys who have agreed to take certain cases at a reduced hourly rate, typically $75 per hour. There is a non-refundable $10 processing fee to apply for this program. This is a crucial service for increasing access to justice for lower-income Massachusetts residents.
  • Wide Range of Practice Areas: While the provided information does not list all specific practice areas, lawyer referral services typically cover a broad spectrum of law, including but not limited to: real estate, family law, criminal law, estate planning, personal injury, consumer protection, and labor & employment. The goal is to match the client's need with a lawyer's expertise.

It is important to reiterate that the LRIS staff cannot provide legal advice; their role is solely to identify your legal need and connect you with a qualified attorney.

Features / Highlights

The Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) of the Hampden County Bar Association offers several distinguishing features and highlights that make it a valuable resource for Massachusetts residents seeking legal assistance:

  • ABA Approved Service: The Hampden County Bar Association's LRIS is the only LRIS program in Massachusetts that meets the stringent standards set by the American Bar Association (ABA) for lawyer referral services. This approval signifies a commitment to public service, ethical standards, and quality referrals.
  • Experienced and Vetted Attorneys: All attorneys participating in the LRIS panel are rigorously vetted. They must be licensed to practice in Massachusetts, be in good standing with the Hampden County Bar Association, carry malpractice insurance, and meet specific experience requirements for their chosen practice areas. This ensures that referred attorneys are qualified and accountable.
  • Affordable Initial Consultation: The service facilitates an initial half-hour consultation with the referred attorney for a nominal fee of no more than $25. This low-cost entry point allows individuals to discuss their legal matter and assess their options without a significant financial burden, which is a key advantage for many in Massachusetts.
  • Reduced Fee Program for Limited Income: A significant highlight is the availability of a Reduced Fee Program, offering legal representation at a rate of $75 per hour for eligible individuals with limited income. This program actively promotes access to justice for those who might otherwise struggle to afford legal services.
  • Local Expertise: As a service of the Hampden County Bar Association, the LRIS has an intimate understanding of local lawyers, the Hampden County court system, and the specific legal landscape of Western Massachusetts. This local expertise is invaluable in matching clients with attorneys who are not only qualified but also familiar with the regional context.
  • Confidential and Personalized Screening: Trained staff conduct confidential consultations to understand your specific legal needs before making a referral. This personalized approach ensures that you are matched with an attorney whose expertise aligns with your unique situation.
  • Mechanism for Client Feedback and Complaint Resolution: ABA-approved programs, including this LRIS, agree to provide a mechanism for client feedback and for resolving client complaints. While one negative review mentioned a lack of further help after exhausting referrals, the service generally aims to ensure client satisfaction and address issues that arise.

These features collectively underscore the LRIS's role as a trusted, accountable, and accessible gateway to legal assistance for the people of Massachusetts.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a public service focused on referrals rather than direct legal practice, the Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) does not offer traditional "promotions" in the commercial sense. However, it provides inherent value and special benefits that act similarly to offers for individuals seeking legal help in Massachusetts:

  • Low-Cost Initial Consultation: As a standard part of the service, any attorney referred through the LRIS agrees to charge no more than $25 for your initial half-hour consultation. This is a significant "special offer" in itself, providing an affordable way to discuss your legal issue with a qualified professional and understand your options before committing to further legal fees.
  • Reduced Fee Program: For qualifying individuals with limited income, the LRIS offers a Reduced Fee Program. This allows access to attorneys who charge a significantly lower hourly rate (typically $75/hour) than standard market rates. While there is a non-refundable $10 processing fee to apply for this program, it represents a substantial saving for those who meet the income criteria, making legal help more accessible.

These unique benefits highlight the LRIS's commitment to public service and expanding access to justice for a broader range of Massachusetts residents. It is always advisable to contact the LRIS directly to verify current fees and eligibility requirements for the Reduced Fee Program.

Contact Information

For residents in Massachusetts seeking assistance from the Lawyer Referral & Information Service, here is the direct contact information:

  • Address: 50 State St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA
  • Phone: (413) 732-4648
  • Mobile Phone: +1 413-732-4648 (This is the same as the main phone number, indicating it's the primary contact line).

The service operates Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is recommended to call during these hours to speak with a trained staff member who can guide you through the referral process. While online referral options may exist through the broader Massachusetts Bar Association, for the Hampden County specific service, direct phone contact is the most straightforward approach to initiate your legal inquiry.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals throughout Massachusetts, especially those in Hampden County and the surrounding Western Massachusetts region, the Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) offers an indispensable and highly suitable pathway to legal assistance. Its strategic location at 50 State St in Springfield ensures easy access for local residents, reinforcing its role as a true community resource.

What makes the LRIS particularly suitable for locals is its unique position as an impartial and vetted referral service. Unlike simply searching online, the LRIS provides a structured approach to finding an attorney, connecting you with professionals who are not only licensed and in good standing with the Hampden County Bar Association but also carry malpractice insurance and meet experience requirements for specific legal areas. This pre-screening process offers a layer of confidence and reliability that can be hard to achieve through independent searches.

The service's commitment to affordability, highlighted by the low $25 initial consultation fee and the vital Reduced Fee Program for eligible low-income individuals, actively addresses a major barrier to justice for many Bay Staters. While some individual experiences, as noted in reviews, indicate challenges with call-backs or exhausting referral lists for niche issues, the overall mission of the LRIS is to serve the public by providing a necessary link to the legal community. For Massachusetts residents feeling overwhelmed by legal problems and unsure where to turn, the Lawyer Referral & Information Service is a reliable, local, and publicly-backed first step toward securing the legal representation they need.

Lawyer Referral & Information Service Photos

Lawyer Referral & Information Service 5
Lawyer Referral & Information Service 5

Lawyer Referral & Information Service Location

50 State St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

Reviews

I have repeatedly been harassed about selling my home the pass 2 + years. I have received calls from the same male and females that. I have told them I'm not interested in sell. I have told them my family lives in my home and we wouldn't have anywhere else to go. They still call, sometimes pretend to be accidentally calling the wrong number or calling for a different reason, but the call always ends with them asking me to sell my home. They don't call as frequently lately, but they still call.

Feb 23, 2024 · T

I was given 2 numbers, both of which never called back and when I called for a 3rd, I was told I've exhausted their list and they have no interest in helping further or providing any other information about. They just hung up after that.

Apr 15, 2021 · Michael Boutin

Need help, willing to even go public.

Mar 06, 2024 · Evelyn Puente

Very helpful. Finally was able to get the right information I needed!

Dec 15, 2020 · IttyBitty Mickey

The Hampden County Bar Association is a great place to find a quality attorney to meet your needs.

Aug 22, 2019 · Deb Ryan

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