The right lawyer will be your advocate and help you resolve your legal problems. Before selecting an attorney, review this section of our website as a starting point.
If you face criminal charges or a lawsuit, a lawyer can help you understand your rights and the strengths and weaknesses of your case. If you need assistance with a divorce, business partnership, or estate plan, a lawyer can guide you through the process so you understand your options and reach the best outcome.
To find the right lawyer for your situation, plan on taking the time to do some comparison shopping. In other words, find two or more candidates, and contact them for brief interviews.
To find lawyers to consider, begin with these resources:
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Certified Lawyer Referral Service
These agencies can refer you to a local, licensed attorney who specializes in the area of the law that fits your needs.
To find an attorney who is a certified specialist in certain areas of the law, such as taxation or family law, you can use the State Bar’s online certified specialist directory, which allows you to search for a certified attorney by specialty area and California county.
Ask people you trust to recommend a lawyer who can assist you or refer you to other attorneys who have experience with your type of problem.
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Public defenders
If you are accused of a crime and cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for free representation from a public defender. Check your county’s local listings online, or in a telephone directory, to find a public defender’s office. If there isn’t one in your area, the judge assigned to your case can appoint a private attorney to represent you free of charge.
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Public interest groups
Several nonprofit public interest organizations, such as those that focus on civil liberties or housing discrimination, may be able to help you find a lawyer.
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Prepaid legal services plans
These plans are available through certain employers, labor unions, and other organizations. Generally, if you have such a plan, you are entitled to a certain amount of a lawyer’s time and services at a reduced rate.
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Dispute resolution programs
Mediation programs provide an alternative for resolving civil disputes without having to hire an attorney or go to court. The California Department of Consumer Affairs provides a list of local mediation programs.
Be wary of attorneys who approach you in person, by phone, or through social media to offer legal services. Learn about legal services fraud
What a certified Lawyer Referral Service can do for you
Certified Lawyer Referral Services (LRS) are designed to help you find legal assistance. They are certified by the State Bar and can be identified by their State Bar certification number or mark in all advertising. These services are able to:
Help you determine if your problem can be resolved without a lawyer. For example, you might have a problem that could be handled, without charge, by a rent control board or community mediation program. If you need this type of assistance, the referral service may be able to connect you with the appropriate organization(s).
Refer you to a lawyer who is experienced in the appropriate field of law and is a licensee of the State Bar in good standing. Lawyer Referral Services will refer you to attorneys with experience related to your legal needs.
Refer you to a lawyer who is required to carry professional liability insurance. In general, lawyers can decide whether they want to carry this kind of insurance, but to be included in a certified Lawyer Referral Service, a lawyer must have insurance. Having insurance is not just important in the event of malpractice. It also often means that the lawyer is supported by risk management resources and training provided by the insurance carrier.
May be able to refer you to a bilingual attorney or an attorney who offers reduced rates depending on your income.
Jot down the key points in your case to share with them.
Bring the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of everyone connected with the case.
Bring all papers related to the case. Some lawyers may want to review the papers before your meeting.
Ask about any similar cases that the lawyer has handled.
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally. If the lawyer intends to have another member of the law firm handle any part of the case, you might want to talk to the second lawyer as well.
Be wary of any lawyer who guarantees results. Most lawsuits and other legal work are not “sure things.” However, a lawyer should be able to point out the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
Find out how long the lawyer expects your case to take, what steps will be involved, and what you should expect about fees and billing. If you don’t understand something, ask for a simpler explanation.
After your first meeting, ask yourself a few questions:
Will you be comfortable working closely with the lawyer?
Do you think the lawyer has the experience and skill to handle your case?
Do you understand the lawyer’s explanation of what your case involves?
Does the fee seem reasonable?
If your answer to one or more of these questions is “no,” you probably should talk to another lawyer. If all of your answers are “yes,” you may have found the right lawyer for you.
