Under the Legal Information and Referral Service , Enquiry Officers provide general legal information and refer members of the public to appropriate legal and welfare agencies. They do not give legal advice. This telephone service is complemented by recorded talks on a variety of legal topics. Written enquiries for legal information are also handled by the service. Enquiry Officers use the referral database, under the Solicitor Referral Service , to help members of the public find a private solicitor when they need one.
Firms apply to join and register details about their practice.
The Service refers callers to three firms which practice in the required area of law and are at a convenient location for the caller. The referral can be specialised, for example identifying firms with foreign law expertise or fluency in community languages and those prepared to make legal aid applications and do home visits. Firms of solicitors often use this service when they need to refer clients on to other firms. The Community Assistance Department Solicitor handles the legal work of the department which includes responding to telephone inquiries from members of the public requiring legal advice. The solicitor also interviews members of the public in urgent or other appropriate circumstances.