Lawyer Referral & Information Service
If you need a lawyer in Western New York, please click on “request a lawyer referral” below for an online referral request form or call the Bar Association of Erie County’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service directly at 716.852.3100. Our Lawyer Referral & Information Service is a public service of the Bar Association, serving all of Western New York. In 2019, we referred approximately 13,000 calls. Can’t afford a lawyer? Please click on “Greater Buffalo Legal Services Map” for a map of legal non profits and resources in the area.
About the Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS)
When you contact the LRIS, you will speak with a Referral Specialist who is experienced in analyzing potential legal problems similar to yours. While LRIS staff are not attorneys and therefore cannot provide legal advice, they are experienced in determining whether your situation requires the services of an attorney or if another type of assistance may be more appropriate.
Please note that the Lawyer Referral & Information Service does not accept walk-ins at the Bar Association of Erie County offices. This is a telephone and online service only.
Contact Information & Hours
Our LRIS staff are available to take your call Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
You may also submit a request for a referral online by clicking the “Request a Lawyer Referral” button above. Once your request is submitted, we will respond as promptly as possible.
What to Expect
If it is determined that legal assistance is appropriate, you will be provided with the name and telephone number of a licensed, insured, experienced attorney who may be able to help you. Your type of legal issue and geographic location will be considered to ensure the most appropriate and convenient referral.
Referred attorneys offer a 30-minute consultation for $20, intended to help you determine whether to pursue legal representation. If you decide to retain the attorney, any additional fees and arrangements will be made directly between you and the attorney.
Confidentiality & Choice
All communication with LRIS is held in the strictest confidence. You are under no obligation to retain the attorney to whom you are referred.
