About Legal Bearings
Legal Bearings is a free service that helps people in the USA learn about legal topics in plain language and get matched with a licensed attorney. We are not a law firm, and our help is free for you to use.
What Legal Bearings does
Legal Bearings is a free educational and matching service. We write plain-language guides to help new immigrants and non-native English speakers understand legal topics in the United States.
We also help people connect with a licensed attorney. A licensed attorney is a lawyer who is allowed by a state to practice law. If you want, you can use our free get matched service to look for a lawyer in your area.
We know legal problems can feel scary, expensive, and confusing. This is even harder when English is not your first language. Our goal is to make legal information easier to understand, and to help you take the next step with more confidence.
What Legal Bearings is not
Legal Bearings is not a law firm. We do not represent people in court. We do not act as your lawyer. We do not give legal advice. Legal advice means advice about what you should do in your specific case.
Our articles are general education. They are meant to help you understand common terms, basic processes, and questions to ask. Laws can be different from state to state. Small facts can change what options a person may have. For advice about your own situation, you should talk to a licensed attorney.
If you want to learn more about this limit, see how it works.
How our service stays free for you
Our service is free for readers. You do not pay Legal Bearings to read our guides or to ask for a lawyer match.
Legal Bearings is paid a flat fee by participating attorneys for marketing and matching services. A flat fee means a set amount. It does not change based on the outcome of your case.
We do not take a percentage of legal fees. We do not take a share of any settlement or court award. If a lawyer you contact charges you for legal work, that fee agreement is between you and the lawyer.
Lawyer fees can vary by state and your situation. Some lawyers offer free consultations. Others may charge a consultation fee, often about $0 to $300, depending on the type of case and where you live. If you speak with a lawyer, ask about cost before you hire them.
How the matching process works
- You share basic information about your legal issue through our free get matched form.
- We use that information to try to connect you with a participating licensed attorney in the right practice area. A practice area is the type of law the lawyer handles, such as immigration, family law, housing, or personal injury.
- If an attorney may be a fit, you may be contacted to discuss your situation. Contact may be by phone, text, email, or another method you choose, depending on the form and your preferences.
- You decide whether to speak with the lawyer, ask questions, or move forward. Using our matching service does not require you to hire anyone.
- If you hire a lawyer, the legal representation is between you and that attorney, not with Legal Bearings. You should read any fee agreement carefully before signing. A fee agreement is the written paper that explains what the lawyer charges and what work they will do.
What matters to us
- Plain language. We explain legal words in simpler English.
- Respect for stress. We know many readers are worried about money, time, family, immigration status, or safety.
- Better access. People who are new to the USA or learning English often need clear information and a simple path to help.
- Transparency. We tell you how we are paid, and we do not hide that attorneys pay us a flat fee to participate.
- Choice. You are free to compare lawyers, ask questions, or decide not to hire anyone.
- General education only. Our content may help you prepare, but it is not legal advice.
You are allowed to ask questions
How to use this site safely and wisely
Start with education. Read the guide that matches your issue. Our how it works page explains the service, and our topic pages can help you learn common terms and next steps.
Be careful with personal information. Share only what is needed to describe your problem and help with matching. Do not send original documents, bank passwords, or private records unless a lawyer you choose asks for them through a secure method.
When you speak with any lawyer, ask simple questions. Ask whether they are licensed in your state. Ask how they charge. Ask what services are included. Ask who will work on your case and how you will get updates. If you need language help, ask whether interpretation is available.
It is okay to slow down. You may want to speak with more than one lawyer before you decide. You can also use our free get matched page if you want help finding a participating attorney.
If you want to contact our team about the service itself, use our contact page. If you want to understand the limits of our information, remember that this site is educational and not legal advice.
Common questions
Is Legal Bearings a law firm?
No. Legal Bearings is not a law firm. We do not act as your lawyer, and we do not give legal advice. We provide general legal education and a free attorney matching service.
Why is Legal Bearings free for me to use?
The service is free for readers because participating attorneys pay Legal Bearings a flat fee for marketing and matching services. We do not charge you to read our guides or request a match.
Does Legal Bearings take part of my settlement or legal fees?
No. Legal Bearings is paid a flat fee by participating attorneys. We do not take a percentage of your settlement, court award, or legal fees.
Do I have to hire a lawyer if I ask for a match?
No. Asking for a match does not require you to hire anyone. You can speak with a lawyer, ask questions, compare options, or decide not to move forward.
Can Legal Bearings tell me what I should do in my case?
No. We cannot tell you what you should do in your specific case. Laws vary by state and facts matter. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed attorney.
In plain English: Legal Bearings gives free general information and can help you find a licensed lawyer, but we are not a law firm and we do not take any share of your case.