The legal interviewers of The Bar Association of San Francisco’s (BASF) Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) are a team of professional, compassionate, and skilled individuals. Far more than a “hotline” or a “1-800” number, the services provided run the gamut from referral counselor to case assessor to sounding board for clients and attorneys. This year, the legal interviewer staff will assist approximately 50,000 people through telephone, email, and live chat requests. In English, Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog, our interviewers are here to assist the diverse population of the San Francisco Bay Area.

In addition to screening cases for legal merit, the legal interviewers assess what avenue is most appropriate for the matter at hand. Working from a list of more than 250 community, government, and social service agencies, the interviewers provide relevant and timely information to clients who are often unfamiliar with, and intimidated by the legal system. Screening for and referral to the pro bono services of the Justice & Diversity Center of BASF start with an intake through LRIS.

Juggling calls from clients and attorneys; fielding referrals for programs through the family and immigration courts; directing attorneys to staff when there are questions about membership and fees, are just some of the tasks handled by the consummate legal interviewers at LRIS.

Currently, nearly 500 attorneys participate in LRIS with a collective range of expertise in more than 100 areas of law. On average, LRIS attorneys have been in practice for 20 years and a member of LRI S for 11 years. Several times during the year attorneys provide training and informational sessions for the legal interviewers so they have the best information to evaluate clients’ needs.

LRIS and its team of legal interviewers are trusted, trained professionals, committed to serving the needs of the public and providing the highest quality customer service. If you are an attorney who encounters a client with a legal need outside your practice area, you can trust LRIS to quickly assist with finding the most appropriate referral.

Learn more: For information on how to join the Lawyer Referral and Information Service, visit www.sfbar.org/lawyerreferrals/att.aspx. Read more about our program, download panel applications, and view attorney testimonials. You may also contact LRIS Membership Coordinator, Yvonne Ng, at 415-782-8951 or yng@sfbar.org. LRIS is a revenue generating program, the proceeds of which help to support the Justice & Diversity Center’s charitable programs.