There are many ways to find an attorney:

• Attorney public records - Check an attorney's official bar membership record (address, phone number, discipline history, etc.) on the State Bar's Web site.
• Recommendations — Friends, co-workers, employers and even other lawyers can often offer recommendations. Business people or professionals such as bankers, ministers, doctors, social workers and teachers are also good sources.
• Certified lawyer referral services — Look in the Yellow Pages of the local telephone directory for a list of State Bar-certified lawyer referral services. In addition, check the listings at the beginning of the "Attorneys" listings, or contact the local bar association. A list of certified lawyer referral services can be found on the State Bar's Web site.
• Certified Legal Specialists — The State Bar maintains a list of attorneys who are certified specialists in particular areas of law. A list of Certified Legal Specialists can be found on the State Bar's Web site.
• Free legal aid agencies — Some people may be eligible for free legal aid, depending on income and the kind of legal problem. LawHelpCalifornia.org provides low-income Californians with easy online access to basic legal resources and attorney information. Also, many law schools have free legal clinics.
• Dispute resolution programs — Many communities have "dispute resolution" programs. These programs can try to help "mediate" or work out problems instead of going to court.
• Prepaid legal services plans — Generally, premiums paid entitle clients to a certain amount of a lawyer's time or to the services of a lawyer at a reduced rate.
• Advertisements — Telephone book Yellow Pages and newspaper advertisements may provide information about a specific lawyer. Some lawyers and law firms advertise on the Internet. The same laws governing advertising in print, radio, TV and other media apply to the Internet. In addition, sometimes lawyers join together and advertise their services as a group.

For additional information read the State Bar pamphlet, "How Can I Find And Hire The Right Lawyer?"