When you find yourself in a situation where you need legal help, it can feel overwhelming. Figuring out what area of the law certain attorneys practice in, as well as their expertise and pay structure are all elements that factor into your decision. But when you don’t know where to look or what your needs are, it can make the situation much more difficult.
In order to remedy this situation, there are a number of different organizations and companies that act as lawyer referral services. A lawyer referral service maintains a network of lawyers and connects people in need of legal assistance based on their case and their financial situation. A potential client who contacts a lawyer referral service is directed to a lawyer who practices in the area of law that is most appropriate for their situation. Many lawyer referral services also provide basic legal advice. These services are also usually sponsored by the state’s bar association so that they can more easily serve clients within that particular jurisdiction.
Contact Maison Law For a Free Consultation
Needing a lawyer can sometimes be stressful, especially if you’re in an accident or have been fired from your job. In these situations, you can look to Maison Law for guidance and support. Our team of experienced California lawyers provides clients with not just top-rated legal services, but a sense of validation and emotional support throughout the entire claims process. We strive to give every client a tailored approach to their particular case, and their satisfaction is our top priority.
If you are in need of a lawyer and would like to understand your options, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Does a California Lawyer Referral Service Do?
In California, there are a number of different lawyer referral services available to the public. Generally speaking, these lawyer referral services are designed to help you and others get legal assistance. Further, these services are certified by the California State Bar, and usually provide the following services:
- Offer legal advice – The vast majority of those who contact lawyer referral services are just beginning their search for legal help. To that end, lawyer referral services connect the person with a licensed lawyer that can answer their questions. Without getting into specifics, the lawyer can answer questions about the type of claim, any statutory considerations (like a statute of limitations), or if the issue can be resolved without needing a lawyer. For example, a person may be having trouble with their landlord and instead of hiring a lawyer, they can contact California’s Civil Rights Department for the appropriate next steps.
- Connect you with the appropriate lawyer – The other main utility of a lawyer referral service is to actually connect the person with a lawyer that will review their case and agree to represent them. Because the legal community in California is tightly knit, lawyers have an extensive network of other clients and associates that can offer more expertise in a given situation. Thus, if the lawyer that you are connected with by the referral service doesn’t take your case, you still have other options.
- Insurance – In order to be included in a lawyer referral service, the lawyer must carry professional liability insurance. In general, lawyers have the discretion to decide whether or not to carry this kind of insurance, but to be included in California’s Certified Lawyer Referral Service, they must have a liability policy. Having liability insurance protects the lawyer in the event of a malpractice claim, and also provides the lawyer with risk management resources and training.
- Language and communication – California has a significant population, a percentage of which either doesn’t speak English or uses English as a second language. As such, California’s lawyer referral services can connect the person with a lawyer that speaks their language or is bilingual, and can explain the legal situation in terms that the person can understand.
In addition to these lawyer referral services, there are a number of private companies that serve the same purpose. These companies are usually regional or nationwide, and offer the same connection and membership services on a larger scale.
How To Select a Lawyer in California
Being connected with a lawyer to discuss your case is often only the first step in the claims process. Once you schedule a consultation, the lawyer will:
- Review your case details
- Examine any evidence you have for a potential claim.
- Ask you pertinent questions about what happened.
- Explain the legal process and the area of the law.
- Determine the overall viability of your potential claim.
Depending on your claim, most firms have teams that specialize in that particular area of the law to give you even more pinpoint advice. California law is expansive, but your claim will typically fall in one of the following areas of the law:
- Personal injury
- Employment
- Criminal defense
- Contract
- Bankruptcy
- Estate planning
- Family law
Moreover, firms usually focus on defending plaintiffs (those who wish to file the claim) or defendants (those who are charged with legal violations). At Maison Law, we represent plaintiffs who wish to file claims after they were injured in an accident or have been illegally fired from their job.
Overall, the goal of lawyer referral services is to make sure people understand their legal options, and are informed in a way that they can make the best decision for their claim.
Experienced California Lawyers Can Help You
No matter what type of claim you have, the experienced, dedicated team of California lawyers at Maison Law can help. We have years of combined experience in working with clients, serving their needs by representing them to the best of our ability. We take great pride in our legal services and in giving each client the support and validation they need to make it through the claim process.
If you are in need of a lawyer or would like to know more about your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation.
