If you’re buying or selling a home, you’ll probably need to hire a real estate attorney. You may also need an immigration lawyer, disability lawyer, or estate planning attorney.
The best way to find a lawyer is to get a personal recommendation from someone you trust. But you can also look for an attorney by comparing their legal qualifications online.
Personal Recommendations
Asking for recommendations from friends or family members who have used an attorney in the past is a good starting point. Ask for names of lawyers they hired, what type of work they did and whether or not they would recommend them.
Business associates in your area may also be able to provide referrals to attorneys who specialize in your specific legal issue. For example, an accountant, insurance agent or real estate broker may be able to recommend a small business attorney. Avvo, an online lawyer rating service, provides information about nearly every licensed attorney in the country. It also lists client reviews, bar data and disciplinary records.
When you meet with potential candidates, be sure to consider their personality and whether you feel comfortable working together. The chemistry you feel during your initial meeting will be crucial to the success of your case. Choose an attorney that is personable, knowledgeable and experienced. They should explain complex matters in simple terms and present you with a variety of options that you can consider before deciding on a plan of action.
LegalZoom
For business owners who want to avoid paying high attorney fees, LegalZoom is a solid choice. This online service offers a wide range of services, from filing trademark applications to forming an LLC. It also offers personalized help with wills and trusts. Its customer support options include live chat and phone calls during business hours. They have a helpful resources page and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Onboarding for LegalZoom is simple and quick with a micro-chat questionnaire that helps aspiring entrepreneurs determine the right type of business formation. However, the add-ons that populate throughout onboarding, such as registered agent service and an EIN, aren’t always clearly outlined.
LegalZoom’s documents are designed to fit each state’s laws and regulations. This is an important feature since the laws for forming an LLC vary between states. The service also provides additional personal services, such as filing trademark applications and assisting with divorce proceedings. These extra offerings make it a great one-stop shop for both small businesses and individuals.
State Bar Associations
Once you’ve earned your law degree and passed a state-administered bar exam, joining a voluntary professional association can help you build a career. Bar associations offer member services like CLE seminars, lawyer directories and practice management advice. Some also coordinate pro bono legal clinics and community outreach programs.
In addition to providing continuing legal education, the Minnesota State Bar Association has a variety of membership benefits for attorneys and members of the public. For example, it connects law students and lawyers with mentors who can guide them through their careers. The association also promotes ethical recruiting practices and hosts networking events.
The New York State Bar Association is a voluntary professional organization that helps shape laws, educates the public and provides attorney-related services to its members. It also works on broader legal goals to raise standards of integrity in the profession and cultivate the science of jurisprudence. The NYSBA is known for its historic achievements such as removing the restrictions on women practicing law and proposing the first global means of settling international disputes.
Online Reviews
Online reviews are one of the top factors potential clients look for when researching attorneys. By collecting Google reviews and displaying them on your website, you’re 74% more likely to generate leads.
When looking for an attorney, people prefer to do business with a firm that has a track record of success and an extensive client base. The best way to showcase this information is by leveraging reviews on your website, social media and advertisements.
Some of the most popular attorney review sites include Martindale-Hubbell, Avvo and NOLO. Martindale-Hubbell lets potential clients explore lawyer profiles, peer endorsements and reviews, while Avvo is an all-in-one online legal marketplace that includes lawyers and legal advice. NOLO focuses solely on helping consumers find the right law firm for their specific issue. It allows users to browse attorney profiles and provides details about the attorneys’ education, awards and professional associations. It also allows them to contact attorneys directly via phone or email.