The Lawyer Referral & Information Service
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lawyer Referral & Information Service?

The Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) is a public service of The Knoxville Bar Association. LRIS receives over 5500 calls per year and refers over 1800 of those calls to LRIS panel attorneys for consultation. LRIS is not a reduced fee or pro bono (free) service. The LRIS program is designed for those who can pay for legal services but whose ability to locate legal representation is frustrated by a lack of experience with the legal system, a lack of information about the type of services needed or a fear of the potential costs of consulting with an attorney. The initial consultation provided by LRIS is FREE.

How do you select the attorneys who participate in LRIS?

LRIS panel members are attorneys in private practice. They are required to be members of the Knoxville Bar Association and must be a Tennessee licensed attorney. The attorney must remain in good standing with the Board of Professional Responsibility. In addition, there are basic continuing legal education requirements that must be met. In some cases, the attorney must meet education and experience criteria in order to accept cases in a particular area of law. The attorney must agree to enter into a contract with a client should he/she be retained.

Will the attorney charge a fee for services after the initial consultation?

Yes. While the consultation is free, if you retain the attorney's services afterwards, then the attorney will charge their standard fees for any services. Those fees will be discussed with the attorney at the time of your initial consultation.

What if I cannot afford an attorney?

If you have a civil matter and need an attorney but believe you cannot afford legal representation, you may contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee at (865) 637-0484. Telephone intakes are open Monday - Friday starting at 9:00 a.m. Only a limited number of cases can be handled each day, so it is best to call as soon as 9:00 a.m. as possible. Since the demand is far greater than the resources available, the decision on case acceptance also depends upon priorities set by Legal Aid of East Tennessee, in consultation with the community.

How does LRIS operate? Does LRIS charge a fee? Can I get a list of attorneys?

LRIS does not provide lists. You will speak with a staff member of LRIS in order that they can determine the nature of your legal issues. LRIS personnel are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. If a consultation is needed, our staff will then provide you with one of two options. The first option is a FREE 30-minute in-office visit with a panel member attorney who deals in the area of law in which you have a concern. The date and time of the appointment will be confirmed at the time of your call to the Service. Our second option offers you a FREE telephone consultation. This option is designed for those who may have a brief question OR who may be from out-of-state. You will be provided the name and phone number of up to two attorneys at the time of the initial call. You will be responsible for contacting the attorney directly.

Do you have a rating system for your attorneys?

No. All of our panel members are licensed in Tennessee, maintain liability insurance and are in good standing with both the Knoxville Bar Association and the Board of Professional Responsibility.

For a referral, contact LRIS at (865) 522-7501 or click here to request an attorney online.