Whether you need help with a legal case or just want to create a power of attorney, you’ll need an experienced lawyer. Start by asking for referrals and searching for attorneys near me online.
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Ask for Referrals
If you want to find a great attorney in the New York area, you should start asking for referrals from friends and colleagues. This may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but it is essential if you want to build a solid client base.
Most communities have lawyer referral services, which are designed to assist with finding an attorney who is familiar with a specific type of legal problem. These are listed in the yellow pages under “Lawyer Referral Service.”
Another great option is LegalMatch, which allows a user to send their case details to local attorneys who have signed up for the site. This service ensures that attorneys are properly licensed to practice law, have good references and do not have serious disciplinary issues. The service also provides extensive information about each attorney, including their educational background, the types of cases they handle and their fees. This is in contrast to traditional attorney advertisement, which only provides a name and telephone number.
Do Your Research
One of the best ways to find a lawyer is to run an attorney search in a trusted database like LegalZoom. Not only can you read client reviews, but you can also consult with attorneys for free.
If you have a specific legal problem, it might help to narrow your search to lawyers who specialize in that area. A lawyer who specializes in a particular field can better understand the intricacies of your case and help you navigate the legal system more effectively.
Another way to narrow your search is to talk to other people in the community who have had a similar legal problem. For example, if you’re filing for divorce or need help with a business dispute, it might be worth asking the director of your local chamber of commerce or an organization that works closely with small businesses to recommend lawyers they trust. These individuals can offer valuable insights into how lawyers perform, including their win rate and whether or not they have disciplinary history.
Online Databases
When conducting research, using online databases is a great way to quickly access and retrieve a variety of information from multiple sources. These databases are indexed so that you can quickly find what you’re looking for by searching for terms or keywords that effectively describe your topic.
These databases also provide you with access to a wealth of useful information, such as scholarly articles, newspaper and magazine articles, relevant Web resources, and multimedia. They also usually include a bibliography or list of cited references.
When searching for a lawyer, it’s important to use only reliable sources. You can check online sources like Avvo for client reviews, bar data, disciplinary records, and peer endorsements. Additionally, you can ask your local business owners or other professionals in the field for suggestions. For example, the director of your local chamber of commerce might be able to recommend a good business attorney. They might also know a well-regarded family law attorney.
Bar Number
Each state regulates the practice of law to maintain the integrity of the profession, protect consumers of legal services and to promote public safety. Attorneys must pass the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) and fulfill other prerequisites to become licensed to practice law in a jurisdiction. Each attorney receives a unique 7-digit ID number when they are admitted to the state bar, which is also their “ARDC” or “law license” number. Course providers should be able to verify an attorney’s ARDC number by searching for the attorney in the online database of the state bar where they are admitted to practice or requesting a Certificate of Good Standing from that agency.
Several states publish their state bar databases online and allow the public to search for an attorney’s name, ARDC number or other information like education, areas of practice or specialization. These resources can help you find an attorney in your geographic area who has the right focus, knowledge and credentials for your particular case.