There are well over a million lawyers in the United States and 200,000 in the United Kingdom working to protect the rights and interests of their clients, and there could be many different reasons why you may need to contact one of them.

From issues at work that require the assistance of an employment lawyer to accidents and injuries that demand the attention of a personal injury specialist, people can often themselves dealing with unexpected challenges in life that need legal action to be taken.

Unfortunately, many people have never had to hire their own lawyer before, and finding the right one can be very difficult if you don't know where to start or who to turn to. This guide will look at some top tips to help you find the best possible lawyer.

How To Find The Best Lawyer

Lawyers are an important part of our society. They help us in so many ways and they are often the first person to contact when we have a legal issue. So, how do you find the best lawyer?

Finding a good lawyer is not as easy as it seems. There are a lot of factors that you should consider before hiring one.

Below, we will discuss some of the most important factors to keep in mind when looking for the best lawyer for your case.

Read reviews

These days, most people use the internet to learn more about products or services before buying them. If you want to take out new auto insurance, for example, you might look at some reviews of different brands before you start to see which one is best, or if you're buying a new household appliance, you'll typically check out some user opinions to see how good each model is.

The same logic applies when trying to find a lawyer as well. You can read law firm reviews online to get a better idea of which attorneys are the most experienced, trustworthy, and reliable. After working with lawyers, many people leave reviews and testimonials of their experiences on the internet for other people to benefit from.

The right lawyer for the job

When you're putting together a DIY project, you need the right tools for the job. When you're hiring a lawyer, too, you need to find the right person to meet the needs of your specific case, which means making sure to find a firm that actually specialises in the field of law that is precisely connected to your situation.  For example, if you have been bitten by a dog then you'll want a lawyer that specialises in injuries and knows about the law surrounding dog bites and who is accountable; click to learn more about who might be responsible. 

There are many different fields of law, from employer law to criminal law to family law and more. If you have a case of medical malpractice, a business lawyer won't be of much assistance, or if you have a criminal issue, getting in touch with a lawyer who specialises in divorces probably won't be the best move. If you are going through a divorce or need assistance with child custody or support issues, you will want to hire a family law attorney who has experience in dealing with cases related to these matters.

Make sure you find a firm that knows how to handle cases like yours and preferably in your location so they know the local laws.

Recommendations from those you know

There are many ways people can find good lawyers. They can go online and read reviews to narrow down their search. They can consult legal directories like the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory. They can simply go through the list of local law firms and contact each one in turn to find out more about them. However, one of the most common methods is to ask people you know.

It's possible that someone in your family or circle of friends and colleagues has had to hire a lawyer in the past and may be able to give you a recommendation. This can be an effective way to find a lawyer and know more about them before you start to work together, but you do need to make sure that your chosen lawyer is experienced and qualified to take on your specific case.

Ask questions and have consultations

Before you officially decide to hire a lawyer and sign on the dotted line, many firms will offer the possibility of a consultation. This is effectively like an interview, in which you can sit down and talk with your prospective lawyer about the case, asking various questions and finding out as much as you can about how the firm works before deciding whether or not to proceed.

Consultations are absolutely invaluable when trying to find the right lawyer, as they let you ask everything that might be on your mind. You can question your lawyer on their experience and case record, you can ask how much the whole thing will cost, you can get their thoughts on the likelihood of the case being successful, and much more, so be sure to make the most of any consultations you get.

More Ways to Find a Good Lawyer

In addition to reading reviews, asking for recommendations, and having consultations, there are a few other effective methods to consider when searching for a lawyer:

1. Use Comparison Websites: Just like when searching for insurance or other services, you can use legal comparison sites to compare quotes and services from various legal professionals. Websites like The Law Superstore and RequestLegalHelp allow you to enter your legal needs and location, matching you with the best lawyers at RequestLegalHelp. These platforms ensure that the professionals listed are reputable and trustworthy, making the search process simpler and more reliable. 

2. Seek Help from Legal Aid and Government Resources: If you're dealing with complex issues like debt or discrimination, government services such as those on GOV.UK can be invaluable. They can direct you to legal aid services or qualified legal advisers in your area. You may also find options for alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation, which could help you avoid court altogether.

3. Look for Pro Bono Services or Legal Clinics: Many UK law schools offer legal clinics, where students provide legal advice under the supervision of experienced lawyers. This can be a great option if you're struggling financially or dealing with a simpler case. Charitable organisations also sometimes offer free legal services for particular issues.

4. Check Professional Networks: The Law Society and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) both provide online tools that allow you to search for solicitors by location and legal speciality. These resources ensure that any solicitor you choose is properly accredited and regulated.

Finding a Lawyer in the UK

In the UK, there are several reliable resources to help you find a qualified lawyer. One of the best places to start is the Law Society's "Find a Solicitor" service. This allows you to search for lawyers who specialise in your legal issue, ensuring you get the expertise you need.

If affordability is a concern, you can explore pro bono services through organisations like LawWorks, which connects people with volunteer lawyers offering free legal advice. Additionally, government websites such as GOV.UK can direct you to legal aid services and provide information on how to resolve disputes out of court.

You can also consult online directories like Legal 500, which ranks law firms based on feedback from clients and legal professionals. This can help you identify highly regarded firms that have a strong reputation in your area of law.

Finding a Lawyer in the US

In the United States, one of the best ways to start your search for a lawyer is through your state's Bar Association. Many bar associations offer lawyer referral services, where they match you with professionals who specialise in your legal needs. These lawyers are pre-screened and in good standing.

You can also turn to online resources like Avvo, which provides comprehensive lawyer profiles, including experience, practice areas, and client reviews. This allows you to easily compare different lawyers and find someone who matches your needs.

For those with limited budgets, legal aid organisations like Legal Services Corporation (LSC) offer free or reduced-cost legal assistance to those who qualify. Law schools in the US also offer clinics where law students provide services under attorney supervision.

Things to Note

• Legal directories and some lawyer profiles may not always have the most recent information, so it's good to follow up with the lawyer directly to confirm details.
• The specific legal aid resources might change depending on your location, so it's best to visit a central government website (like GOV.UK for the UK) for the latest information.

Conclusion

Hopefully this article has helped with some ideas of how to find the best lawyer. Finding the right lawyer is crucial to successfully navigating legal challenges. Whether you're in the UK or the US, there are many resources available to help you make an informed decision. From legal aid and government services to comparison websites and professional directories, these tools can simplify the search process.

Take your time, do your research, and consider multiple options before making your choice—it's a decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

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 Article originally posted in 2021 and updated in 2024.