• Make sure the person's legal need is present on the screener. 

LASCO cannot help everyone with a legal need. As a result, the screener reflects the areas of law we practice in, as well as "priorities" we have set. 

What we can do will also depend on things like the kind of case, how many clients we have at the time, what has happened so far, and what kind of help the person patient wants.

You can learn more about the legal needs on the screener by:

• Watching this short video on Eligibility and Priorities. 

• Reviewing our Community Partner Resources, including Lunch and Learns on different legal issues.

• Checking out our Resource Center for brochures, pro se forms, and other self-help materials.

If you aren’t sure, reach out to the team for a consult before placing a referral.

• Make sure the person is ready to consult with an attorney. 

Often they are not ready to take that step, or wants to try to resolve an issue on their own. Feel free to give them a copy of the clinic flyer so they can easily ask for a referral later if circumstances change.

• Make sure the person understands that we will ask about their finances and immigration status to make sure they are eligible for help from LASCO.

In order for Legal Aid to provide anything more than a helpful referral or general legal information, we have eligibility requirements for (1) Income; (2) Assets; and (3) Immigrant Eligibility. 

• Make sure they know that talking with Legal Aid is confidential even if we can't help them. 

For our general guidelines on case referrals, feel free to check out our Referral guidance for All Community Partners.

Existing MLP & OBBO Partners: Please submit referrals using the e-referral form. 

Opioid Crisis Response Project Partners: Please submit referrals using this e-referral form.

We recommend completing the e-referral with the person whenever possible. They can also complete the screening and referral themselves on an iPad.

Note: Right now, the e-referral is only available in English. 

• We have clinic flyers, screeners, and ROIs available for reference in Arabic, French, Nepali, Somali, and Spanish. 
• We also will (TBD) have the MLP screener and ROI in video form, available in each of these languages. 

If using paper, please transfer the information into the online e-referral form after meeting with the person.

If you are not completing the e-referral with the person present, make sure you have oral consent. We will not be able to process referrals without a completed release of information.

Explain to the person what will happen next, and give them a copy of the screening tool cover sheet, which explains what to expect from the intake process and scope of Legal Aid services:

Intake will text--most often, but not always,  from (614) 333-0853--to let them know we are trying to reach them. 

Intake will call within three (3) business days. People should be ready for that call with information like: 

• Case numbers, letters, pictures, or names of people who can help.  
• Deadlines, court dates, person, court, or agency involved in the situation. 

If you have any questions, please reach out. Thank you for all you do for our community!