It is not an infrequent occurrence that someone calls my office or comes in for a consultation regarding a legal problem or issue that I ultimately determine is outside my area of expertise or “comfort zone.”  In many cases, I am able to identify someone who I believe to believe the best local attorney to handle that particular problem.  However, there are occasional situations where the legal issue presented is extremely unique or the individual seeking help has financial constraints that would prevent them from retaining the individual who would be my first choice recommendation.

 

Fortunately, the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association operates a user-friendly lawyer referral service.  Through this service, an individual can obtain a 30-minute initial consultation with an attorney experienced in almost any area of the law for a fee of no more than $30 ($1 per minute).  Additional legal work beyond the first half-hour consultation is billed at an agreed upon rate or, in some instances, on a contingent fee basis.

 

The Lawyer Referral and Information Service (“LRIS”) is a non-profit organization that helps people find attorneys and other legal services here in San Luis Obispo County.  The service is capably managed by Director Trudy Kyle.  The staff at LRIS helps people find legal assistance through local government agencies or will refer callers to a local attorney.  The $30 fee applies to most legal consultations.  In some cases, there is no charge at all.  Each client is matched with an attorney experienced in the area of law most relevant to the client’s problem.  My office is a member of the Lawyer Referral and Information Service, along with approximately 40 other local attorneys and firms. 

 

To obtain a referral for a legal consultation regarding almost any legal issue, call Trudy Kyle at (805) 788-2099, or visit her on the first floor of the County Courthouse across from Courtroom 6, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 12:00 noon.

 

Lawyers participating in the LRIS program are pre-screened to assure their good standing with the State Bar of California and general competence in the area(s) of practice they list with the LRIS.  Participating attorneys and firms are also required to maintain errors and omissions coverage.

 

 

Jeffrey D. Stulberg • A Law Corporation
1042 Palm Street, Suite 204, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Ph: (805) 544-7693 • Fax: (805) 544-7006
stulberglaw@gmail.com