The Law Society of the Northwest Territories

What is the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS)?

The LRS is a program of the Law Society that operates a territory-wide lawyer referral service open for members of the public. The Lawyers listed in the referral service are all authorized to practice law in the Northwest Territories.

Who uses the LRS?

The LRS is designed to help people find a lawyer when they do not know any lawyers or when they are looking for a lawyer to assist them in a particular area of law. The LRS is made possible though the co-operation of the legal profession. There is no fee charged by the Law Society for lawyers to participate in the Service, or for clients to use the Service.

The Service is not available to Legal Aid clients.

How does the LRS work?

Lawyers list the areas of law of their choice. The Law Society has set up a directory to assist clients in locating a lawyer in the area of law that they require. Lawyers will then receive referrals that are consistent with their preferred areas of practice.

How will the lawyer know if a referral has been made?

The lawyer will only know if he has been contacted as a result of the LRS if the client advises them. Clients will be advised that they should notify the lawyer on contact, that they received the information through the LRS.

What if the client does not contact the lawyer?

Whether or not the client follows through with the contact is at the discretion of the client. There is no obligation on the part of the client to contact the lawyer.

What if the client prefers to communicate in a language other than English?

Some lawyers are fluent in languages in addition to English. The client should inquire about their language of preference and other special communication requirements when they initiate contact with the lawyer.