Copyright © 2025 Essex County Bar Association. All rights reserved.
- (973) 622-6207
- [email protected]
- 470 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room B01, Newark, NJ 07102
The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is a public service offered by the ECBA and is designed to assist clients who are looking to retain a private attorney to represent them in their legal matters. The ECBA also offers a Legal Edge program which connects clients who do not qualify for pro bono legal services with attorneys who volunteer to take cases at a reduced fee. Both services are limited in the attorneys available to take referrals and specific practice areas.
The LRS service is available Monday – Friday
from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
The LRS staff evaluates referral requests to determine the nature of the legal matter and whether another organization or agency would be able to assist the client.
If the referral request can be matched with one of our attorneys, the client will be given the contact information for the attorney to set up an appointment for a thirty (30) minute consultation. The consultation costs $30.00. During the consultation, the attorney will evaluation the matter and advise the client on available legal options. Further legal services should be discussed with the attorney and the fees must be agreed upon before the client and attorney can proceed with representation.
Only one referral may be given at a time and are subject to attorney availability.
The Essex County Bar Association Reduced Fee Referral Program is a program available to litigants in Essex County who do not qualify for free legal services and/or the public defender but who cannot afford to hire an attorney at regular rates. Individuals who meet the income requirement for the program will be referred to an attorney who may represent them at a reduced rate.
A prospective litigant completes the online application which is submitted to the ECBA office with the $30 application fee. The application is processed within two business days and the litigant is given the attorney referral information. The litigant can then meet with the attorney and retain them according to the Reduced Fee Schedule.
For clients looking for Pro Bono Legal Services please reach out to the following organizations:
Provides direct services to income-eligbile clients.
5 Commerce Street, 2nd Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 624-4500
[email protected]
Attorneys provide legal advice and assistance to income eligible Essex County residents.
Hall of Records – Room 204
465 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 622-0063
Provides legal advice and assistance with certain civil (non-criminal) legal matters. Call or visit their website for an online intake form.
(973) 645-1955
Tenant Hotline: (973) 943-4754
Promotes equal access to the judicial system for victims and survivors of domestic violence who cannot afford legal representation.
650 Bloomfield Ave., Suite 209
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
(973) 233-0111
[email protected]
Provides advocacy service and access to legal medical and counseling support for victims of domestic violence.
570 W. Mount Pleasant Avenue, Suite 106
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 765-9050 General Information
(973) 740-1233 24 Hour Confidential Crises Line
[email protected]