How to Find a Good Lawyer
Official sources point to a few basic steps when looking for a lawyer: use a bar-approved lawyer referral service or your state bar's lookup tools, confirm the person is licensed and check their discipline record, ask how fees work and get the agreement in writing, and look into free legal aid if your income is low. For immigration matters, federal agencies warn that "notarios" are not lawyers in the United States.
What the law says
- Example (California): the State Bar's online Attorney Search shows the status of an attorney's license and their disciplinary and administrative history. State Bar of California, Find Legal Professionals
- Example (California): lawyer referral services must meet certain standards to be certified by the State Bar, and the State Bar also certifies attorneys who specialize in certain areas of law and offers an online specialist search. State Bar of California, Find Legal Professionals
- Example (Florida): The Florida Bar says to first make sure the person you are considering is actually an attorney, and to check the attorney's profile on the Bar's website; if there is no discipline, the word "None" appears next to the name. Discipline history can also be checked by phone at 866-352-0707. The Florida Bar, Consumer Pamphlet: How To Find A Lawyer In Florida
- Example (Florida): local bar-sponsored lawyer referral services can set up a first appointment with a lawyer for a nominal fee; where no local program exists, The Florida Bar's statewide service offers a first half-hour consultation for $25 (toll-free 800-342-8011). The Florida Bar, Consumer Pamphlet: How To Find A Lawyer In Florida
- Example (Oregon): the Oregon State Bar says there is no charge for its lawyer referral system, which gives callers the name and phone number of a lawyer in their area. It suggests asking a lawyer whether any complaints have been made to the Bar, which can be verified through the Bar's Discipline Records Hotline. Oregon State Bar, How to Choose a Lawyer
- Questions The Florida Bar suggests asking include whether the lawyer has a written agreement describing fees and the services provided for them, whether there is a charge for the first interview and how much, and what the hourly fees are if the problem is more complicated. The Bar says a written fee agreement is always advisable. The Florida Bar, Consumer Pamphlet: How To Find A Lawyer In Florida
- The State Bar of California suggests asking how the lawyer will bill for their time, who else might work on the case, how costs and expenses other than fees will be paid, and what the lawyer's estimate of total charges is. In California, the fee agreement must be in writing when the lawyer expects fees and costs to total $1,000 or more. State Bar of California, What to Expect Regarding Fees and Billing
- For people with low incomes, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974, funds independent nonprofit legal aid organizations that help with civil legal problems; LSC's site has a search tool to find an LSC-funded legal aid organization near you. Legal Services Corporation, Get Legal Help
- LSC-funded legal aid programs help people who live in households with annual incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Legal Services Corporation, How We Work
- The FTC warns that in the United States only an immigration attorney or someone authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice can give immigration advice. Scammers may call themselves a notario, notary public, accountant, or consultant; in Latin American countries a notario may be a lawyer, but that is not true in the U.S. FTC, How To Avoid Immigration Scams and Get Real Help
FAQ
How can I check whether a lawyer has been disciplined?
Check the lawyer's profile on your state bar's or licensing agency's website. California's Attorney Search shows license status and disciplinary history, and The Florida Bar's lawyer profiles show "None" when there is no discipline.
Does a lawyer referral service cost money?
It depends on the program. The Florida Bar says bar-sponsored referral services arrange a first appointment for a nominal fee, while the Oregon State Bar says there is no charge for its referral system.
Does my fee agreement have to be in writing?
Rules vary by state. In California, it must be in writing when the lawyer expects fees and costs to total $1,000 or more. The Florida Bar says a written fee agreement is always advisable.
Can I get a free lawyer if I can't afford one?
For civil problems, LSC-funded legal aid organizations help people in households with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. You can search for one near you on LSC's website.
Can a notary public help with my immigration case?
No. USCIS says notary publics in the U.S. are not attorneys and cannot represent you in legal matters, including immigration cases. Representatives must be attorneys in good standing, accredited representatives, or certain supervised law students and graduates.
How do I confirm an immigration lawyer is real?
USCIS suggests asking to see the attorney's current licensing document and confirming eligibility with the state agency where they are licensed. It also points to the Justice Department's roster of accredited representatives and its list of disciplined practitioners.
What are warning signs of an immigration scam?
The FTC says not to sign blank forms or forms with false information, not to pay for immigration forms, not to let anyone keep your original documents, and that a demand for payment by gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency is a scam.
Related
- ABA Free Legal Answers: Free Legal Advice Online
- How Lawyers Charge: Hourly, Flat and Contingency Fees
- How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?
- How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost?
- How to Get a Free or Low-Cost Lawyer Consultation
- Can't Afford a Lawyer? Payment Plans and Low-Cost Options
- Lawyer vs. Attorney: Is There a Difference?
- What Is a Pro Bono Lawyer, and How Do You Find One?
- Finding a Lawyer & Legal Help by state
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.