Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lawyer Referral Service of the Westmoreland Bar Association?

The Lawyer Referral Service of the Westmoreland Bar Association is a public service provided by the Westmoreland Bar Association. We make referrals to private lawyers or other community resources specializing in the area(s) of law related to your specific situation. If you have a legal problem, or think you might need a lawyer, please contact us, and we will put you in touch with the appropriate resource. You can connect with us in 1 of 3 ways:

  1. Phone: Call us today at 724-834-8490 to speak to someone who can listen to your issue.
  2. Online: If you know what type of lawyer you need, and would like to search for your own attorney, you can do so online.
  3. Email: If you do not know what type of lawyer you need, think you might be eligible for free legal assistance, or just prefer to communicate via email, you can submit an email request to us.

What are your hours?

Our normal business hours are from 9 am – 5pm, Monday through Thursday and 9 am – 4:30 pm on Friday. Our office is closed on all major holidays. You can leave us a voicemail or email outside of normal business hours, and we will get back in touch with you.

You can also obtain a lawyer through our online service, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Do I need anything before contacting the Lawyer Referral Service?

You should be prepared to briefly explain your legal problem either over the phone or online so that we can best assist you. If you plan to call, have a pen and paper handy, and if possible, please try to find a quiet location free of interruptions.

Why should I use your service instead of finding a lawyer through a phone book or another online provider?

All of the attorneys on our service have been screened before becoming a member of the service, and meet experience requirements in order to receive referrals in each area of law. In addition, all of our attorneys have certified that they carry malpractice insurance and we check to make sure all of the attorneys are in good standing with the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court.

Staff monitors attorney professionalism through client feedback. When you are referred to an attorney through LRS, you have up to 30 minutes to speak to the attorney to discuss your legal problem.

What areas of law do your attorneys handle?

The Westmoreland Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service has attorneys who practice in Westmoreland County and who practice in various areas of the law. If you don’t know what type of law your situation falls under, call us and explain your situation and we can try to point you in the right direction. If we are not able to match you with an attorney, we may be able provide you with referrals to other services that might be able to assist you.

Can you answer my legal question?

The Lawyer Referral Service staff are not attorneys, and are not able to answer any legal questions or provide legal advice. However, we still will try to assist you in any other way possible by either referring you to an attorney or providing you with additional resources.

How much will it cost?

There is an administrative charge of $35 to use our service and get referrals. The attorneys agree to waive the initial half-hour consultation fee. We do not know the attorney’s fee structure but you can to discuss fees and billing with the attorney at the time of your consultation. It is a good idea to get a written fee agreement with an attorney if you decide to hire them.

Do the attorneys provide free or reduced fee services?

No, unfortunately none of our attorneys provide free legal services. Depending on your income, and situation, you might qualify for a reduced rate attorney. Please contact 724-837-5539 (civil) or724-830-3535.

How do I prepare for my consultation?

Once you have selected a lawyer, there are several steps you can follow to help your lawyer and to satisfy yourself concerning the quality and expediency of legal services being provided. Here are some:

  • Be honest with your lawyer. Tell the truth. An attorney can't be expected to give you well-reasoned legal advice if the information you provide is faulty.

  • Have your lawyer analyze your case and give you both the positive and negative aspects.

  • Take your lawyer's advice. It isn't given off-the-cuff. Don't waste your money or your lawyer's time if you don't have confidence in his or her special knowledge or skills.

  • Don't expect your attorney to give a simple answer to a complex question. Many legal problems cannot be explained simply. Be sure that you understand the technical language contained in wills, contracts, leases, and so forth. Don't, however, challenge your lawyer on every sentence on every page.

  • Keep your lawyer fully informed of any new developments that might affect your case.

  • Don't badger your lawyer. Respect your attorney's time. Avoid phoning repeatedly about petty matters. Remember, a lawyer has other clients who require attention, too.

  • Ask your lawyer to keep you informed about the progress of your suit or legal problem. The lawyer is retained to work for you.

  • Be skeptical of attorneys promising certain results. Airtight cases just don't exist.

  • Request copies of all letters and documents prepared on your behalf.

  • Don't sign any document or paper until you fully understand what you are signing.

Get a consultation from a qualified, local lawyer for $35.

Request a lawyer online

Or call us! We're here to help.

Monday - Friday

9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.