Finding a lawyer, or Paralysis by Analysis

Note: this is the second in a series of posts addressing the question of how to find the right lawyer for you, once you have decided you need one.

The first question is probably both the easiest and the hardest one: Where do I find a lawyer? It's easy because there are lawyers everywhere. It's hard because there are lawyers everywhere. My hope is that I can help you avoid that "paralysis by analysis" that often sets in when you take stock of the sheer number of choices you really have. Here are a few sources where you will find a variety of lawyers who you might be able to contact:

1. Call your county's Bar Association. Typically, each county has a Lawyer Referral Service or similar resource. Lawyers sign up to be part of that service, and offer free or reduced-fee consultations in exchange for a steady stream of referrals.

2. Do your research. This is a recurring theme in this blog. When it comes to Internet searching specifically, Google is your friend. Type in your location, what kind of law you think you need, and see what you find. Also, try other sites which cater to lawyers specifically, such as avvo.com and lawyers.com. I specifically do not recommend looking in the Yellow Pages- those ads are expensive, and the lawyers tend to be expensive as well. Most lawyers do not want to incur that type of expense on advertising, and so you don't get a good selection of lawyers from those advertisements.

3. Talk to people. Friends, neighbors, anybody you feel comfortable talking to. Chances are that one or more of them have had legal issues at some point in the past, or they knew someone who has. They may be able to give you a name, or three.
Ultimately, lawyers get most of their business through personal referrals, and not through advertising. Your best chance to get a good lawyer is to find a referral from someone who was really happy with their prior lawyer. Just be prepared to talk to a lot of people, and if possible understand that the search might take some time.