Over the past several months, the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) and the MBA’s monthly Dial-A-Lawyer programs have observed an increased demand for legal services, particularly in areas of law most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has created opportunities for MBA attorneys who are looking to either expand their client base or offer pro bono services while addressing unmet needs of legal consumers across the commonwealth.
Join the LRS
Since 1974, the LRS has made regular fee referrals and reduced fee referrals to people looking for a lawyer in Massachusetts, connecting more than half a million residents to qualified MBA lawyers. MBA members who participate as members of the LRS not only tap into a useful resource to help grow their practice, they also help the public.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the LRS has continued to be responsive both to the needs of its lawyer members and to legal consumers. In addition to offering referrals 24/7 via the LRS website, www.masslawhelp.com, the LRS transitioned to a virtual call center offering referrals by phone from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The LRS is seeing an increased demand for lawyers in the following practice areas around the commonwealth:
- Admiralty
- Animal Rights
- Discrimination
- Divorce
- ERISA
- Federal Workers' Compensation
- Immigration
- Lemon Law
- Medical and Dental Malpractice,
- Military
- Police Misconduct
- SSDI/SSI Matters
- Zoning
If you are interested in becoming a member of the LRS, we invite you to view the LRS Handbook, which includes an LRS application. You must be an active MBA member in good standing with the Board of Bar Overseers and provide proof of insurance by forwarding a Certificate of Insurance from your current professional liability insurance carrier. The cost of joining the LRS is either $100 or $150, depending on how long you have been admitted to practice.
If you have any questions regarding the LRS, please email LRS@MassBar.org.
Volunteer for Dial-A-Lawyer
Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer and assist people who are in need? Are you having a problem finding the time to volunteer because of your busy schedule and other commitments? The MBA’s monthly Dial-A-Lawyer program, which began in March 1991, may be the best volunteer program for your schedule and interests.
The MBA is seeking attorney volunteers for our monthly Dial-A-Lawyer program on the first Wednesday of every month, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The MBA’s Dial-A-Lawyer program now operates remotely and attorney volunteers only need a computer to participate. No phones are needed.
The calls that come in to Dial-A-Lawyer each month involve a range of legal issues. Since COVID-19, Dial-A-Lawyer volunteers have seen an increase in questions in the following areas:
- Collections
- Consumer
- Foreclosure
- Immigration
- Landlord/Tenant
- Real estate
If you are interested in volunteering for an upcoming Dial-A-Lawyer from your home or office -- particularly if you handle any of the above areas of law -- complete this brief intake form. The MBA will provide you with a link, username, password, detailed instructions and updated resources before each monthly program. Using the information provided, you will be able to easily log on to the internet from your computer and take calls immediately from the public.
If you have any question regarding the Dial-A-Lawyer program, please email us at DAL@MassBar.org.