Match Program
For Match Program referrals, you must call the LRS office to qualify. Call 512-472-8303 (in Austin) or toll free 866-303-8303. The lawyers who participate on the Match Program are not listed on this web site. These referrals will not be made on-line.
The Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas administers the Match Program. The program is an effort to provide reduced-fee legal services to those with a modest income who may not be able to afford regular attorney fees. The Match Program is currently available for family law matters, guardianship cases, and drafting simple wills.
We do not provide free legal services.
Match Program attorneys are private-practicing attorneys who have agreed to consider accepting Match Program referrals at a reduced rate.
QUALIFYING FOR THE MATCH PROGRAM
A Lawyer Referral Service intake counselor will screen you to determine if you qualify under the income guidelines and to explain the legal fees involved. The attorney will further screen you during the initial consultation or meeting. The attorney is under no obligation to accept your case, and you have no obligation to hire him/her to represent you.
The Lawyer Referral Service generally makes one referral at a time. If the first attorney is unable to assist you, please call LRS back to receive an additional referral. As a rule, LRS makes no more than three referrals on a given case.
CONSULTATION FEE
There is a $20.00 consultation fee for the first 30 minutes of your appointment with the lawyer. Consider the first consultation a mutual interview--you explain what you need to have done and the lawyer will evaluate the next steps and explain legal fees. This is a time to evaulate your situation. The lawyer donates this $20.00 back to the Lawyer Referral Service for operating expenses.
ATTORNEY FEES
Match Program lawyers charge a reduced fee. If you decide to hire the lawyer to represent you, he/she will require a retainer fee or deposit in advance. The retainer fee is a deposit the lawyer requests in order to begin working on your case. The amount of the retainer fee will depend on the complexity of your case. Please request that the lawyer provide you with a written fee agreement before starting work on you case.
QUESTIONS
Write a list of question before your meeting with the lawyer. Remember you are paying by the hour! Any questions involving your case should be directed to your lawyer.
If you have any questions regarding the Match Program policies and administration, please call the Lawyer Referral Service at 512-472-8303. These referrals cannot be made without screening through the LRS office. Match Program referrals cannot be made through this site.
