Request a Referral Online

Legal Help for Greater Cleveland

Find the Right Legal Help for your situation

Since 1971, the CMBA has connected clients with vetted attorneys, with legal resources. Whether you need a simple break, it starts with the Lawyer Referral Service. Let’s find your fit

100+ Practice Area

150+ Qualified Attorneys

Free Initial Consultation

Find a Lawyer

Choose your path to Legal Help

Since 1971, the CMBA has connected clients with vetted attorneys, with legal resources. Whether you need a simple break, it starts with the Lawyer Referral Service. Let’s find your fit

Lawyer Referral Service

Get matched with a qualified, vetted attorney in your area of need. Perfect for those seeking private legal representation at standard rates.

  • Free referral and free initial phone consultation
  • All attorneys approved by Supreme Court of Ohio
  • Free referral and free initial phone consultation
Click here

Cleveland Legal Collaborative

Sliding-scale legal services for those who earn too much for free legal aid but struggle to afford standard attorney rates.

  • Free referral and free initial phone consultation
  • All attorneys approved by Supreme Court of Ohio
  • Free referral and free initial phone consultation
Learn more

Specialized Legal Programs

Free and pro bono services for those who qualify based on income, circumstance, or organization type.

Pro Bono

Pro Bono Civil Appeals

The CMBA’s Civil Case Appellate Pro Bono Program offers qualified applicants free legal representation in select appeals. Learn the criteria used to review applications, steps to request counsel, and what participation involves.

Learn more & apply

Free Legal Aid

Learn About Closing the Justice Gap

The Cleveland Legal Collaborative provides affordable legal help for people who fall between free Legal Aid and costly private firms. Learn how it works, how new lawyers are trained to serve, and how you can support access to justice.

Cleveland Legal Collaborative

Nonprofits

Legal Support for Nonprofits

From startup guidance to pro bono legal assistance, the CMBA helps nonprofits navigate their legal responsibilities. On this page, you’ll find resources, education, and access to volunteer legal support tailored to the nonprofit community.

Get nonprofit help

Artists & Creatives

Legal Advocacy for the Arts

The Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) connects artists and cultural organizations with trusted attorneys and practical education. As the region’s leading arts-focused legal program, VLA protects creativity while strengthening Northern Ohio’s arts community.

Lawyer Referral Service

Family Law

Support Access to Justice in Cleveland

From connecting families with trusted lawyers to offering affordable legal help, guiding nonprofits, and ensuring fair representation on appeal, the CMBA’s justice programs fill critical gaps for people and organizations across our community. Your donation strengthens all of these efforts, expanding legal access where it’s needed most.

Referral Service

Need a Lawyer? Start Here

Since 1873, we’ve helped Greater Clevelanders find reliable legal help. Learn how our Lawyer Referral Service works, the options available to you depending on your income and ability to pay, and how to request a referral online, by phone, or in person.

Lawyer Referral Service

Help Us Expand Access to Justice

Your donation strengthens legal aid programs, expands the Cleveland Legal Collaborative, and ensures more community members can access the legal help they need.

Secure Donation
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How it works

Getting connected with right attorney is simple and straight forward

1

Submit Your Request

Fill out our simple online form, call us directly or visit us in person Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the CMBA office (2nd floor intake desk).

Request a Referral Online
Call 216-696-3525

2

Get Matched

Tell us about your legal issue and what you need help with. We'll match you with qualified attorneys who specialize in your area of legal need.

3

Scheduled a Free Consultation

Fill out our simple online form, call us directly or visit us in person Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the CMBA office (2nd floor intake desk).

Contact the Lawyer Referral Service

Message Us

Email us with your queries and a team member will get back to you ASAP.

legalhelp@clemetrobar.org

Call Us

Want to chat? Give us a call and we’ll answer all your questions.

(216) 539-5970

Office Address

Prefer to visit? We’re located in Cleveland, OH.

1375 East 9th Street, Floor 2
Cleveland, OH 44114-1785

  • Please note: Once you receive a referral, you must contact the attorney yourself—attorneys will not contact you. LRS attorneys charge standard legal fees and do not provide pro bono or reduced-rate services.

Additional Resource

Probate Court Brief Advice Clinics

Military Legal Help

Ohio Legal Help

Frequently Asked Questions

View All Community Resources