Lawyer Referral Service

Consult with up to three attorneys for 30 minutes each for a small referral fee.

About the Lawyer Referral Service

Since 1952, the New Haven County Bar Association (NHCBA) Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) has helped individuals in the Greater New Haven area find qualified attorneys for their legal needs.

All participating LRS attorneys:

• Are in good standing with the State of Connecticut
• Complete a detailed application to join the program
• Carry malpractice insurance
• Are reviewed annually to confirm there are no outstanding grievances

Please note: The LRS does not provide pro bono or reduced-fee representation.

For legal aid, contact Statewide Legal Services or New Haven Legal Assistance.

Also, the LRS does not take the following case types: Civil Rights, Class Action, Legal Malpractice, Defamation of Character, Small Claims, or Unlawful Confinement.

How to Request a Referral

If you have a legal issue and would like to be referred to an attorney, you may:

1. Call the LRS at (203) 562-5750
2. Email us at lrs@newhavenbar.org with a brief description of your legal issue
3. Register online by completing the short form on this webpage
4. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (except major holidays) Emails and online submissions are answered within 24 hours.

Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (except major holidays)

Emails and online submissions are answered within 24 hours.

What Does a Referral Include?

If a referral is appropriate for your situation, you will be connected with a pre-screened, qualified attorney based on your legal issue.

Your referral includes:

• One consultation of up to 30 minutes with the referred attorney
• If you are not a good fit with the first attorney, you may receive up to two additional referrals at no extra cost

After the initial consultation, any further fees or services are arranged directly between you and the attorney. LRS does not set or manage attorney fees.

Referral Fee

Most case types require a $50 non-refundable referral fee (waived for Personal Injury, Social Security & Workers' Compensation matters).

Payment options:

• Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express (by phone or online)
• Money order mailed to: NHCBA – P.O. Box 1441, New Haven, CT 06506

(Payment must be received before a referral is provided.)

The fee covers up to one 30-minute consultation with up to three attorneys.

Ask-A-Lawyer Clinics (Free Information Sessions)

Once a month, LRS attorneys volunteer at local libraries to provide free 15-minute consultations offering general legal information.

If additional help is needed, you may be referred to an LRS attorney.

If you choose to hire an attorney through the LRS, a reduced $15 referral fee applies.

Check our AAL schedule for upcoming clinic dates and locations.

Important Notes

The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is a public service of the New Haven County Bar Association. LRS does not provide legal advice and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Referrals are made only to licensed, experienced Connecticut attorneys who have registered for specific areas of practice.