Bar Association Lehigh County

- 1114 Walnut St, Allentown, PA 18102

When you need a lawyer in Allentown or anywhere in Lehigh County, the process of finding the right person can be overwhelming. You may not know where to start, who to trust, or what type of attorney you even need. The Bar Association of Lehigh County acts as a crucial resource to help bridge this gap between the public and the legal profession. As a membership organization for lawyers, its primary goal is to provide service and assistance to attorneys while also offering valuable resources to the community. Through its Lawyer Referral Service, the association provides a structured way for individuals to obtain legal advice for a moderate fee, connecting them with a qualified attorney in the specific area of law they need. This introductory guide will help you understand the purpose of the Bar Association of Lehigh County, its core functions, and the ways it can be a helpful starting point on your journey to finding legal assistance in Allentown, PA.

The Bar Association of Lehigh County is a fixture in the Allentown community, with its office located at 1114 Walnut St, Allentown, PA 18102, USA. This location makes the association a central and accessible point of contact for anyone in the area seeking legal resources. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the association ensures its facilities are accessible to everyone. The office features a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom. These thoughtful accommodations are designed to make it as easy as possible for individuals to visit the office and access their services. The association recommends making an appointment, a practice that helps manage client flow and ensures that staff can provide focused attention to each inquiry. While the location is convenient, it is important to remember that the association’s primary role is to serve as a referral service, not as a direct provider of legal representation.

As a professional association, the Bar Association of Lehigh County does not directly represent clients in court or handle cases. Instead, its services are focused on supporting the legal community and providing resources to the public. The main way they assist the public is through their Lawyer Referral Service. This service is designed for individuals who need legal advice but do not know a lawyer or how to find one. The Bar Association works to connect individuals with attorneys who are members of the referral program and have experience in the specific area of law required.

• Lawyer Referral Service: This is the association's core service for the public, which connects individuals with a qualified attorney for a brief consultation for a non-refundable fee. This initial consultation allows clients to discuss their legal matter and determine if further representation is needed.
• Modest Means Program (MMP): The association also offers a Modest Means Program for those who do not qualify for legal aid but cannot afford an attorney at regular rates. This program provides legal services at a substantially reduced rate for specific case types.
• IT Support: While this is a service primarily for members of the association, it highlights the organization's role in supporting its legal professionals with the resources they need to serve the public.
• Child Support: As part of their Modest Means Program, the association can refer clients to an attorney who can handle child support cases at a reduced rate.
• Membership Organization for Lawyers: As an association, they provide a variety of services to their members, including continuing legal education and other resources, to ensure the legal community remains knowledgeable and professional.
• Risk Management: This service is also geared toward legal professionals to help them manage the risks inherent in their practice, which in turn helps ensure the public receives quality representation.

The Bar Association of Lehigh County stands out for its mission to provide a transparent and accessible entry point to the legal system.

• Lawyer Referral: The association provides a structured and vetted way for the public to find an attorney, as opposed to simply searching online without guidance.
• Professionalism and Vetting: They maintain a list of participating attorneys who are members of the referral service, providing a measure of confidence in the legal professionals you are connected with.
• Accessibility: The wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom make the association’s physical location inclusive for all.
• Fee-Based Consultation: The service offers a low-cost consultation fee that gives individuals a guaranteed opportunity to speak with a lawyer about their case.
• Reduced-Fee Program: For those who qualify, the Modest Means Program offers a vital bridge for legal services that would otherwise be out of reach.

For more information or to inquire about the Lawyer Referral Service, you can contact the Bar Association of Lehigh County using the following information:

• Address: 1114 Walnut St, Allentown, PA 18102, USA
• Phone: (610) 433-6204
• Mobile Phone: +1 610-433-6204

Why is the Bar Association of Lehigh County a valuable resource? While a few negative reviews have been shared, it is important to understand the mission of a bar association and its role in the legal ecosystem. A bar association is not a traditional law firm that takes on cases directly. Instead, it is a non-profit organization designed to assist both the public and legal professionals. The primary service it offers to the public is the Lawyer Referral Service. This service is intended as a starting point, a way for someone who feels they may have a legal issue to get a brief, professional opinion for a small fee. While a referral might not always lead to a perfect match on the first try, it provides a structured and reliable pathway to finding a qualified attorney. The organization's effort to provide a Modest Means Program is also a significant benefit to the community, helping to address the gap between legal aid and full-fee representation. By offering a referral service and a reduced-fee program, the Bar Association of Lehigh County is working to ensure that legal counsel is more accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of their financial situation. This commitment to the public good, combined with their role in upholding the standards of the legal profession, makes the Bar Association a worthy first step for anyone in Pennsylvania seeking legal guidance.

Bar Association Lehigh County

1114 Walnut St, Allentown, PA 18102, USA