COMMUNITY
SERVICES of the Palm Beach County Bar Association
"Lawyers giving
back to the community"
Phone (561) 687-2800
Q.
What is the Palm Beach County Bar Association?
A. The Palm Beach County Bar Association is a non-profit voluntary
association founded in 1922. It is a professional association
financed by annual dues from attorneys. Its purpose is to
maintain the honor and dignity of the profession by promoting
improvements in the law and administration of justice.
Q.
What does the Palm Beach County Bar Association do for the
community?
A. The Palm Beach County Bar Association performs hundreds of
direct and indirect services for the community. What follows
are answers to questions regarding the most sought-after
services provided by the Palm Beach County Bar Association.
Q.
I have a complaint against someone for an amount less than $5,000.
What can I do?
A.
The Palm Beach County Bar Association sponsors periodic
Small Claims Court Clinics to show people how to
handle matters on their own without having to hire
an attorney. The clinics are free and taught by
local attorneys. Call the Palm Beach County Bar
Association for upcoming clinics in your area or
see Upcoming Events for
the Public for a calendar of upcoming clinics
as well as other public service events. You may
also obtain some more information from the State's
Division of Consumer Affairs website.
You may also view this page for more information
about landlord/tenant issues and lemon law issues.
Q.
Does the Bar Association ever provide programs where the public
is able to speak directly to an attorney for no charge?
A. Yes. Each year during the first week in May, the Bar Association
sponsors Law Week. The Bar offers numerous programs where
the public has the opportunity to speak to an attorney free
of charge. Law Week programs include a dial-a-lawyer phone-in
program, an ask-a-lawyer booth at the Palm Beach Mall as
well as various legal education clinics on different areas
of the law.
Q.
I have a dispute with the fee my attorney has charged
me. Do I have any recourse?
A.
Provided both parties agree to arbitrate, The Florida
Bar has a Legal Fee Arbitration Program. The Fee Arbitration
Program is an informal, free service provided by The
Florida Bar to resolve fee disputes between attorneys
and clients and between attorneys. The arbitration
process may be initiated by either the client or the
attorney and may be used instead of a lawsuit to settle
a fee dispute. Click here
for more information or call The Florida Bar's Attorney
Consumer Assistance Program toll free at 866-352-0707.
Q.
I need legal advice, but don't know who to call. What can I
do?
A. Call the Palm Beach County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral
and Information Service at 561/687-3266 or 561/451-3256 (Boca/Delray).
The Lawyer Referral Service offers a one-half hour appointment
with the kind of attorney you need for a $50 fee (fee waived
for medical malpractice, bankruptcy, workers' comp and personal injury cases). The lawyer you see charges no
fee for his/her consultation for that half hour appointment.
Referrals are also made to appropriate social service agencies
when deemed appropriate.
Q.
I am a member of an organization and would like to hear someone
speak on a law-related topic. What can I do?
A. The Palm Beach County Bar Association's Speakers' Bureau
will provide attorneys to speak to groups and organizations
on most any subject. Call the Palm Beach County Bar Association
to schedule an attorney to speak to your group free of charge.
