Finding the Right Lawyer

Once you've decided that you need some kind of help from a lawyer, what's next? Finding the lawyer who's best for you.

Use Your Community

There's an amazing amount of information online -- but you may also have resources just outside your front door, where your neighbors and friends can help with your lawyer search.

If you need a divorce lawyer, talk to friends who've been through a divorce -- who were their lawyers, and what did they think of them? If you need help with a small business matter, speak to your banker, accountant, insurance agent, or real estate broker. These people come into frequent contact with lawyers who represent business clients and are in a position to make informed recommendations.

If you talk to half a dozen people who have had a legal problem similar to yours, chances are you'll come away with several good leads.

Use Our Directory

One reason we think Nolo's Lawyer Directory is such a great way to find a lawyer is because there's so much thoughtfully organized information available at a glance. Instantly, you are able to search for and compare prospective lawyers according to relevant criteria: case experience, qualifications, work history, philosophy, and fee structure. This saves you time by answering a lot of your questions up front.

Our attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every listed attorney has a valid license to practice law and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations at the time they are listed in the directory. Lawyers are required to notify Nolo if they are subject to any disciplinary action by any bar association.

Interview Time!

When you get the names of several good prospects, the next step is to talk to each attorney personally. If you outline your needs in advance, many lawyers will be willing to talk with you at no charge or for a reduced fee so that you can size them up and make an informed decision. (See the "Fees" tab of an attorney's profile to know what to expect for an initial consultation.)

Ask about the lawyer's experience handling matters similar to yours. Also pay attention to the personal chemistry between you and the lawyer. No matter how experienced and well-recommended a lawyer is, if you feel uncomfortable with that person during your first meeting or two, you may never have a good lawyer-client relationship. Trust your instincts and seek a lawyer whose personality is compatible with yours.

Ask all prospective lawyers how you will be able to contact them and how long it will take them to return your communications.