How to Find an Excellent Lawyer

If your legal problem is complex or involves lots of money, you might not want to attempt to handle the matter without a lawyer. After all, lawyers do more than dispense legal information. They offer strategic advice and apply sophisticated technical skills to legal problems. Ideally, you’ll want to find a competent and savvy lawyer to guide you through the complicated legal process.

How to Find the Right Lawyer

Locating a good lawyer who can efficiently help with your particular problem isn’t always easy. Don’t expect to find a good lawyer by simply reading an advertisement or looking online for a lawyer nearby. There’s not enough information in these sources to help you make a valid judgment.

Fortunately, you have other options. Here are a few helpful strategies.

Personal Referrals

A better approach is to talk to people in your community who have experienced the same problem you face—for example, if you have a claim of sexual harassment, speak to a women’s group. Ask who their lawyers were and what they think of them. If you talk to half a dozen people who have had a similar legal problem, chances are you’ll come away with several good leads.

But don’t decide on a lawyer solely based on someone else’s recommendation. Different people will have different responses to a lawyer’s style and personality. Make your decision about hiring a lawyer after you’ve met the lawyer, discussed your case, and decided that you feel comfortable working together.

Also, it might be hard to find a lawyer with the expertise you need through a personal referral. For instance, if your friend had a great divorce lawyer, but you need incorporation advice, the referral won’t do you much good. However, don’t give up immediately. Consider calling the divorce lawyer, explaining that they came highly recommended, and asking if the office uses a particular business lawyer. You might find the perfect fit.

Online Services

Many sites, including Nolo.com, offer a way to connect with local lawyers based on your location and the type of legal case you have. You answer a few questions about your case and provide your contact information. Then a lawyer specializing in the area you need contacts you directly.

Business Referrals

Businesses that provide services to key players in the legal area you’re interested in might also be able to help you identify lawyers you should consider. For example, if you need small business law representation, speak to your accountant, insurance agent, or real estate broker. These professionals regularly make informed judgments about business lawyers because they come in contact with them frequently.

Lawyer Referral Services

Lawyer referral services are another source of information. However, there is a wide variation in the quality of lawyer referral services, even though they are required to be approved by the state bar association. Some lawyer referral services carefully screen attorneys and list only those with particular qualifications and a certain amount of experience. In contrast, other services will list any attorney in good standing with the state bar who maintains liability insurance. Before choosing a lawyer referral service, ask about the qualifications for including an attorney and the screening process.

However, what you might not get from a lawyer referral service is an insight into the lawyer’s philosophy. For instance, you won’t know the lawyer’s communication and litigation style.