Description
This is the Bar Association of San Francisco’s legal intake line that connects callers to private lawyers. Private attorney referrals are usually most appropriate when there is no non-profit help available, or for cases where there might be funds recovered to pay an attorney (personal injury, a lawsuit against someone to recover funds for some kind of damage, SSI/SSDI, insurance cases, etc.).
Note that this same line screens clients for help through the Bar Association’s Justice & Diversity Center (pro bono services).
Ways to Contact
Call the Legal Referral and Information Service intake line: 415.989.1616, open Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 1:00pm, 1:30-5:00pm or complete THIS online request form. They also offer an online self-referral option.
Process
During the initial call, Bar Association staff will do an intake to determine what type of help you need.
Within 1-2 days, the staff member will call you back with information about your referral, including the name of the lawyer who has agreed to meet with you, and the date/time/location of your first meeting.
If you have been injured, the referral and the first 30-minute consultation with your lawyer is absolutely free. For all other legal issues, you pay $35 for the referral, which includes the first 30-minute consultation.
Notes
Collect key information in advance if possible: case numbers, names of key people, court dates and deadlines, documents related to the issue, and any questions you have.