CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION CUMBERLAND LAW JOURNAL 32 South Bedford Street Carlisle, PA 17013 Lawyer Referral Service The Cumberland County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service is a non-profit service to the community. The Lawyer Referral Service helps you to find a lawyer who will provide advice on your legal problem. Q: HOW CAN I FIND A LAWYER WITH THE EXPERIENCE I NEED? A: You can ask friends, employers, or co-workers to recommend attorneys they have found reliable. Public service organizations such as those concerned with civil rights or consumer protection may also be able to direct you to legal representation. We also offer another alternative. A phone call to the Cumberland County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service number... (717) 249-3166 or (800) 990-9108 (in PA only) ...can put you in touch with an attorney who is experienced in the field of law most appropriate to your situation. Q: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I VISIT OR CALL? A: You will be asked to briefly explain your legal problem. A staff member will then select a lawyer qualified to advise you. You will be given the name, address and phone number of an attorney for you to call and set up an appointment. Q: WHAT SHOULD I TAKE WITH ME TO THE FIRST MEETING AND WHAT MUST I PAY? A: The first 30 minutes of your meeting with a lawyer costs $25.00. During this time the lawyer will hear your problem and advise you. If your problem will require more work beyond the first half hour, remember to ask for the lawyer's fees in writing. You and the lawyer set the fee to be paid for services performed after the first half hour. The lawyer bases his fee on the time and type of work involved, the difficulty in solving the problem, and the needs of you, the client. Be sure you understand what the lawyer will do and how the fee will be determined. You do not have to hire the lawyer after the initial consultation. Feel free to find a lawyer with whom you are comfortable. You have hired a lawyer when you agree to allow that attorney to do more legal work for you. Q: WHAT WILL THE LAWYER EXPECT FROM ME? A: Be sure to bring all documents and information relating to your legal problem to the first meeting with your lawyer. This includes names, addresses, and telephone numbers of anyone involved in your case. Be ready to give the lawyer all background information relating to the situation. You may want to prepare questions to ask the lawyer. Jotting down the important points connected with your case before you see an attorney can help you to explain you situation quickly and clearly and can save both time and money. If you are delayed or unable to keep your appointment, call the attorney and your appointment will be re-scheduled or cancelled at your request. SELECT A LAWYER WITH CONFIDENCE Call (717) 249-3166 or (800) 990-9108 (in PA only)