Match Program – Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas

The Match Program

This program provides reduced-fee legal services to those with a modest income who may not be able to afford regular legal fees. The Match Program is currently available for family law matters, guardianship cases, and drafting simple wills. Most of our calls are for family law matters.
You must call the LRS office to qualify. Call 512-472-8303 (in Austin) or toll free at 866-303-8303. These referrals will not be made online.
Match Program lawyers are private-practicing lawyers who have agreed to consider accepting Match Program referrals at reduced rates. We do not provide free legal services.

Qualifying for the Match Program

Our telephone intake counselor will ask questions to determine if you qualify under the Match Program income guidelines and will also explain the legal fees involved. Be prepared to provide income information from all sources. If you are referred to a lawyer, that lawyer will further screen you during the initial consultation or meeting to determine if you qualify. The lawyer is under no obligation to accept your case, and you have no obligation to hire him/her to represent you. If you do not qualify for the Match Program, we will try to refer you to another community service agency or legal services provider who may be able to assist you.

Consultation Fee

You will be charged a $20 fee for the first 30-minute meeting with the lawyer. You will explain your situation and the lawyer will explain services and potential costs. Consider the first consultation a mutual interview—you explain what you need to have done, and the lawyer will evaluate the next steps and explain legal fees. This is a time to evaluate your situation.

Attorney Fees

Match Program lawyers charge for all legal work done. This is not a free service. If you decide to hire the lawyer to represent you, he/she will require a deposit in advance—a retainer. The retainer is a deposit the lawyer requests in order to begin working on your case. The amount of the retainer will depend on the complexity of your case. You will also be responsible for any court fees and other direct costs, such as long-distance phone charges and photocopying expenses. Please request that the lawyer provide you with a written fee agreement before starting work on you case.