How the Lawyer Referral Service Works

Who qualifies for the service?

Creative artists, arts organizations, inventors — or individuals with a creative arts legal question — are all eligible to contact California Lawyers for the Arts for assistance with their legal matters. CLA is a State Bar Certified Legal Referral & Information Service [LRIS] and has been serving the creative arts community since 1974. CLA matches clients with well-screened, highly-qualified attorneys selected from it's LRIS panel. Attorneys become members of the LRIS panel by applying for membership and by meeting the LRIS membership requirements which adhere to the State Bar of California's certification standards as described in the California Business & Professions Code. 
Picture

STEP 1: Intake

If the client's adjusted gross income on their IRS 1040 Income Tax Return 'is not' near the federal poverty guidelines, clients can use an online Request for Referral Form or call CLA's statewide TOLL-FREE 888-775-8995 number to begin the regular referral intake process with our call center staff. 

STEP 2: Financial Screen

If the client's adjusted gross income on their IRS 1040 Income Tax Return 'is' near the federal poverty guidelines they 'may' qualify for one of CLA's pro bono, modest means or CIAP programs. Client's start the process by completing a detailed financial screening application form.

STEP 3: Lawyer Search

Step 4: Lawyer Match
Once the intake process — and financial screening (if appropriate) — is completed, CLA's trained staff will begin searching for a qualified attorney. Each attorney on the panel must have up-to-date malpractice insurance and a clean history of no discipline with the State Bar of California.
Typically a lawyer match can be made within a maximum of 3 to 5 business days for most 'regular' referrals. However, because of high demand for pro bono, modest means, and CIAP referrals, the wait for these matches can take longer, and in some instances, no match can be found.