Facing a legal issue? The State Bar of Wisconsin’s Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is here to help. You can
search for an attorney online or speak directly with a legal assistant by calling
(800) 362-9082.
On This Page
How the Service Works
We're here to help you determine whether you need a lawyer and guide you on what steps to take next. When you contact the Lawyer Referral Service, you won't receive legal advice, but you will speak with a trained legal assistant who can assess your situation and connect you with the most appropriate resource.
If it turns out you need an attorney, we will refer you to one in your area who is interested in your type of legal issue. Attorneys referred through LRS agree to charge no more than $20 for the first 30-minute consultation.
In some cases, your legal matter may be resolved during that initial meeting. If further legal work is needed, the attorney's regular fees will apply beyond the first half hour.
How to Find a Referral
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Call Us: You can reach the Lawyer Referral Service by phone at (800) 362-9082 or (608) 257-4666. Our phone lines are open
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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LRS Online: Our online referral service is
available 24 hours per day. You can search for an attorney by location and area of legal practice at your convenience.
Scheduling Your Appointment
Once you receive a referral, contact the attorney's office directly to schedule your appointment.
Be sure to mention that you were referred through the State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service—this guarantees your first 30-minute consultation will cost no more than $20.
During your initial meeting, ask about the attorney's fees for any services beyond the first half-hour. If you choose not to move forward, you are under no obligation to hire the attorney.
About the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS)
The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is a public service designed to help individuals find the most appropriate legal resource for their needs.
Attorneys who are members of the State Bar of Wisconsin may join the LRS panel by paying an annual fee. Panel attorneys agree to:
- Charge no more than
$20 for the first 30-minute consultation.
- Pay LRS a
referral fee of 10% on any fees collected over $200 from a referred client.
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Not pass LRS fees on to clients through increased rates.
Panel attorneys may accept referrals in any area of law in which they believe they are competent. However,
LRS does not guarantee or certify special expertise in any specific legal area for which a referral is made.
