The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is funded by the Law Foundation of BC and operated by the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association. The LRS program enables the public to access lawyers practicing in the field of law required for the particular situation and provides the opportunity to have a consultation with a lawyer for up to 30 minutes for a fee of $25 plus taxes.

Lawyers voluntarily join the service so not all lawyers in BC are registered on the LRS program. After the consultation, the fees to be charged are strictly between the lawyer and the client. The lawyer is not obliged to accept the applicant’s case and the applicant is under no obligation to retain the lawyer.

Lawyers, click here for more information about the Lawyer Referral Service and how to join.

How to Use the Lawyer Referral Service
The Lawyer Referral Service operates by telephone service. Please call during business hours, 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday at 604.687.3221 or 1.800.663.1919. Operators are available to take your call. Once the area of law is determined the operator will provide you with the name and telephone number of a lawyer in your geographical area. You contact the lawyer to set up an appointment to meet. You are entitled to up to a half hour consultation for $25 (plus taxes). This consultation is to determine whether or not you have a legal problem. If you know you have a legal problem and need to hire a lawyer, the Lawyer Referral Service can help you find a lawyer at their regular rate. Out-of-province and country requests can email lawyerreferral@bccba.org.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a consultation?
It is a consultation between you and a lawyer to find out if you have a legal problem. Consultations are available only one per lawyer on a single issue.

Who sets up the consultation with the lawyer?
You have to make the appointment with the lawyer and tell both the lawyer and the receptionist that the Lawyer Referral Service referred you.

What happens after the consultation?
If you and the lawyer agree to proceed with legal action, you may hire the lawyer at their regular rate. Rates are strictly between you and the lawyer after the meeting.

What if I just want the lawyer to read or sign a document?
This will not be a part of the 30-minute consultation and the lawyer has the right to charge you their regular rate.

What if I already know that I have a legal problem?
Lawyer Referral Service can assist you by providing you with a lawyer’s name and telephone number for your legal problem at the lawyer’s regular rate.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer but need help?
There are other services available to assist you. Tell the operator that you would like to be directed to services that provide assistance to those who cannot afford a lawyer.

Lawyer Referral Service in Canada

Dial-A-Law and Lawyer Referral Service Advertising

• The Asian Pacific Post
  • August 2006 - February 2007
• British Columbia & Yukon Newspaper Association (BCYNA) - BC Local Community Distribution
  • July 2006 - January 2007
• Business Edge
  • October - January 2006
• Business Examiner
  • Friday, September 1, 2006
• Canada Post (Unaddressed Admail)
  • Salmo / Nelson - October 3, 2006
  • Prince Rupert - October 30, 2006
  • Prince George - November 6, 2006
• Dawa Business Group (Chinese Newspaper)
  • Weekly ongoing
• TV Week Magazine/ Canada Wide
  • September 30, 2006
  • October 7, 2006
  • December 2, 2006
• The Now Newspaper (Van-Net Newspaper Group) - Leave A Legacy
  • Sunday, October 01, 2006
• Western Native News
  • August 2006 - April 2006
• Vancouver Jewish Senior's Directory
  • 2006-2007
• BarTalk
  • Tuesday, August 1, 2006
  • Sunday, October 1, 2006
• The Look Out Military Newspaper
  • November 2006 - February 2007
• Adspace Media
  • December, 2006 - May 2007
  • 4 tables - Yaohan Centre, Richmond
  • 4 tables - Crystal Mall, Burnaby
  • 4 tables - New Westminster Quay Market