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Alabama Bar Referral Services Guide

Graphic promoting Alabama Attorney Referral Resources by The Novel Advocate, featuring the state of Alabama silhouette and an image of Lady Justice.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. The Novel Advocate does not recommend or endorse any specific attorney, law firm, or legal service. Always research and verify any attorney before hiring.


A Safe Starting Point for Finding the Right Attorney

Finding an attorney can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with stress, harm, or trauma. This page gives you a safe starting point by connecting you with the official Florida Bar referral program. These directories list licensed, verified attorneys who meet state standards, so you are not left guessing or relying on random search results.

Official Alabama Bar Referral Directory

The Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service makes it easy for consumers to connect with verified attorneys.

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama (“LSA”) is an independent, nonprofit organization. It provides free civil legal aid to qualifying low-income families across all 67 counties of Alabama. The aid covers a wide variety of areas. LSA operates from eight offices with one located in Anniston, Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Selma and Tuscaloosa.To apply for free legal aid in Alabama, call 866-456-4995

Volunteer Lawyers Programs (civil only, not criminal)

Alabama has over 3,000 lawyers who offer free legal services. They support low-income citizens in certain civil matters through the five volunteer lawyers programs in this state. The volunteer lawyers programs also provide free legal assistance to community-based organizations that improve the lives of low-income Alabamians. To see if you qualify for pro bono help, call or visit the websites for the program serving the county in which you live:


You have the legal right to obtain Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham
(205) 250-5198
www.vlbham.org

Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program
(256) 539-2275
www.vlpmadisoncounty.org

Montgomery Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program (Montgomery County)
(334) 265-0222

South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program (Mobile, Baldwin, Washington and Clarke counties)
(251) 438-1102 or (855) 997-2857
www.savlp.org

Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program (all other counties)
(888) 857-8571your own medical records and, in some cases, the records of someone you represent.


Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service (all types of legal matters- Fees may apply)

The Lawyer Referral Service (“LRS”) is a program offered by the Alabama State Bar. It is designed to help the public find an attorney for their general legal needs. Attorneys who participate in the ASB Lawyer Referral Service agree to limit their initial consultation fee to $50. This fee covers a period of 30 minutes. After the initial consultation, the potential client and referred attorney will negotiate a fee for the services required.

How Does the Lawyer Referral Service Work?

The Lawyer Referral Service is a simp

le process. You can initiate it by calling our toll free number (1-800-392-5660). Alternatively, you can click on the link below.

Lawyer Referral Service Form

You will be asked to briefly state the reason you are seeking an attorney. All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence. The Lawyer Referral Service representative will ask you for general contact information. Then, they will give you the name of a nearby lawyer. This lawyer will practice in the area of law your need requires if one is available. LRS will not provide lists of attorneys.

To receive a referral through the Alabama State Bar’s website, you must agree to the Terms of Service. You also need to choose the area of law and the type of legal issue.

Please note, we cannot provide referrals through email requests. Referrals are available only through the toll free number or the link on this page.

You are responsible for contacting the lawyer. Make an appointment to discuss your legal matter. The Lawyer Referral Service cannot make appointments for callers.  When you call to make your appointment with the lawyer, inform them. Tell the lawyer that the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service has referred you.


When is the Lawyer Referral Service Open?

The Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service’s toll free number (1-800-392-5660) operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.to 4:30 p.m.  Referrals through the website are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Legal Fees and Expenses

Legal fees will be negotiated between you and the attorney referred to you. The initial consultation fee may be waived by the attorney. All other fees are at the discretion of the attorney. When discussing the cost of representation with the referred attorney, please make sure you distinguish between the fees and expenses. These include filing fees and other third-party fees charged to your matter. Lawyers charge based on the time and type of work. The difficulty in solving the problem also affects the charges. Additionally, your needs as a client are considered. The Lawyer Referral Service encourages you to ask for a written fee agreement. This should be done before you proceed with any legal work beyond the first 30-minute consultation.

Members of the United States Armed Forces

Some attorneys participate in the ASB Lawyer Referral Service. They offer a 25% discount to members of the United States Armed Forces. If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, please call 800-392-5660 for a referral.  At this time, the online Lawyer Referral Service does not indicate which lawyers provide legal representation for the military. It does not show who offers services at a discounted rate.

Referrals for Matters Outside of Alabama

The ASB Lawyer Referral Service cannot help you find a lawyer for a legal matter outside of Alabama. If your case is not in the State of Alabama, please look for an attorney elsewhere. If you need a lawyer outside of Alabama, please consult the American Bar Association Lawyer Referral Directory.

Referral Service Availability

The Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service toll free number operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The online Lawyer Referral Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Legal Information and Self-Help Forms

Alabama Legal Help (operated by Legal Services Alabama) provides information and self-help forms on various legal issues. The website of the Alabama Access to Justice Commission also offers these resources. These include family law, public benefits, housing, consumer issues, health law, elder law, immigration, and guardianships. You can get basic information about your legal rights. You can learn where to go for legal aid and assistance. You can also find out about other community resources. Another website, Alabama Free Legal Answers, allows you to ask a lawyer a question online at no charge.

Get a Referral



Alabama Consumer Legal Resources

If you’re trying to understand how Alabama’s legal system actually works, this is one of the most helpful places to start. The Alabama State Bar offers practical guides, consumer explanations, and public-facing resources designed to help non-lawyers understand their rights and responsibilities.

This section includes:

  • How to choose a lawyer
  • Understanding fees and consultations
  • What to expect during representation
  • Your rights as a client
  • How to file a grievance if something goes wrong
  • Helpful consumer publications

Visit the Alabama State Bar Consumer Resources:

Logo of the Alabama State Bar, featuring a shield design with scales of justice.
Click here to visit the Alabama State Bar and explore your options for legal help.

Want a second perspective?

The Alabama Bar also provides a “How to Choose a Lawyer” style resource. It’s more formal and written from the system’s point of view. However, it offers a clean overview of attorney selection. It also covers fees and expectations.

Alabama Bar: How to Choose a Lawyer

VOCA / Victim Compensation (Alabama Version)

Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission (ACVCC)

They help reimburse victims for out-of-pocket crime-related expenses.

Phone: 1-800-541-9388

Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission

  • Medical and mental health expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Funeral costs
  • Relocation assistance

Final Thoughts,

Finding legal help can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Use these resources as a starting point and choose the path that fits your needs.

This information was collected from trusted online sources and is up to date as far as we know. Still, your situation is unique, so double-check anything important and do your own research too.

Use this as a starting point… a guide to help you take the next step, not a substitute for legal advice.