Press Release: 4/28/2026

Boston Bar Association Celebrates 75 Years of Connecting the Public to Trusted Legal Help

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Bar Association is proud to announce the 75th anniversary of its Lawyer Referral Service, a cornerstone public service that has connected Massachusetts residents with qualified attorneys since 1951. 

For three quarters of a century, the LRS has served as a trusted bridge between the public and the legal profession. Designed to make finding a lawyer straightforward and accessible, the service connects individuals and businesses with carefully screened attorneys across more than 300 areas of law. Every participating lawyer is in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar and carries malpractice insurance, ensuring professionalism and accountability. 

“At its core, the Lawyer Referral Service is about access and trust,” said BBA President Suma V. Nair. “For 75 years, it has helped individuals and families navigate life’s most important and often challenging moments by connecting them with experienced legal counsel. We are proud of the service’s legacy and committed to strengthening and modernizing it for the future.”  

In the last few years alone: 

• Nearly 20,000 people turned to the Boston Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service for help finding an attorney across 300+ areas of practice. 

• Over 1,000 individuals were directly matched with a Lawyer Referral Service attorney who took on their case. 

• Nearly half of those placements were modest means cases, expanding access to justice for clients who might otherwise go without legal help due to financial strain. 

The anniversary comes at a time when clear, reliable pathways to legal help remain essential. As legal needs evolve, the BBA continues to enhance the LRS to ensure it remains responsive, accessible, and reflective of the communities it serves.