The Nashville Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) is a non-profit public service that was established over 25 years ago. The LRIS refers about 6,000 callers to Nashville area attorneys and appropriate agencies each year.
The service was designed to assist people who are able to pay normal attorney fees, but whose ability to locate legal representation is frustrated by a lack of experience with the legal system, a lack of information about the type of services needed, or a fear of the potential costs of seeing a lawyer. The LRIS offers three important services to the public:
- Helps the client determine if the problem is truly of a legal nature by screening inquiries and referring the client to other service agencies when appropriate
- Provides the client with an unbiased referral to an attorney who has experience in the area of law appropriate to the client’s needs
- Has the American Bar Association "seal of approval" by following the ABA model rules for the operation of public service lawyer referral programs
SUBMIT REQUEST
How does the Lawyer Referral and Information Service work?
After screening your call to determine what type of legal help you need, LRIS will refer you to an attorney that practices in that area of law or to a community service agency that might be able to assist you based on the type of help you need. All information received is strictly confidential. LRIS does not provide free legal services. Web referral requests are available 24/7.
If you have questions regarding what type of lawyer you need, we are happy to assist. You will be asked a series of questions in order to determine your needs, however, we cannot give legal advice. We will provide you with the name and number of an attorney, company, or agency that may be able to help you.
How can I submit a request online?
Submit your Lawyer Referral Request at NashvilleBar.org/LRISReferralForm or click/tap the button below.
SUBMIT REQUEST
Is there a fee for contacting LRIS?
There is no referral fee for the following types of matters:
- Personal Injury
- Medical Malpractice
- Workers’ Compensation (currently no LRIS attorneys available)
- Victim Compensation (currently no LRIS attorneys available)
- Social Security Disability (currently no LRIS attorneys available)
For all other matters there is a $40 referral fee, which can be paid by debit or credit card.
Will the attorney charge a fee?
After the first consultation, you are subject to the attorney’s hourly rates so be certain to discuss attorneys’ fees.
To cover the operating expenses of the LRIS, attorneys pay an administrative fee and 15% of the fees they earn. LRIS Policy prohibits the attorney from passing along the costs of the LRIS to the client.
What if I need legal help after the initial 30 minutes?
If you need further legal services, there will be additional attorney’s fees that you and your attorney will agree upon before you proceed. Be sure to ask for a fee agreement in writing if you wish to continue legal services.
Do you provide a list of attorneys?
No. We generally make one referral at a time. Make sure you feel comfortable with that attorney—both personally and financially—before hiring him or her. If that attorney does not work out for you, you will need to submit a new request for an additional referral. We do not make referrals based on age, gender, race, or religion. You may also visit our attorney directory to search for an attorney by practice area here.
Can you recommend an attorney?
We cannot indicate our personal preferences. All of the attorneys on our panel go through an annual screening process, are in good standing with the Board of Professional Responsibility, and are members of the Nashville Bar Association.
What if I need a lawyer in another state?
Try a National Lawyer Referral Service search.
