Many communities provide legal aid offices or programs that can recommend an attorney for you. Advertisements in telephone directories, newspapers and radio may also help. When selecting an attorney be sure to investigate their licensing and disciplinary history before hiring them.
Reach out to friends or business associates for recommendations. Perhaps they have worked with an excellent lawyer in the past and can refer you to one.
1. Referrals
Referral marketing should be at the core of every law firm’s marketing strategy. Referred clients are more likely to hire you than those who find you via other channels such as search engines or newspaper ads.
Most communities provide lawyer referral services that match people to attorneys based on the circumstances of their cases, with special consideration given to groups like seniors, immigrants and victims of domestic violence.
Lawyers can develop relationships with potential referral sources by attending social and professional events like fundraisers or discussion panels, joining legal networks or associations, or participating in professional organizations in the legal industry. When engaging in referral arrangements it’s essential that ABA ethics rules regarding referral agreements are followed – any fees received must go toward paying reasonable operating expenses of service rendered or funding public service activities.
2. Online
Consumers researching lawyers are most concerned with their reputation and expertise in a specific legal field, with the internet serving as an invaluable resource in doing this research. Consumers pay particular attention to online reviews and ratings of a lawyer or law firm; for instance, one with multiple 5 star ratings will attract more clients than similar firms with less positive feedback online.
Avvo has long been considered an invaluable source for consumers searching for attorneys. Unfortunately, its proprietary rating system may be an impediment to attorneys with lower scores; asking some satisfied clients to review your practice on Avvo could level the playing field and bring up scores accordingly.
Other resources online available to lawyers or law firms include FindLaw’s Guide to Hiring a Lawyer and legal aid resources. Creating videos to promote services via YouTube, TikTok, Facebook or other social media outlets may also prove effective in driving business to them.
3. References
Once you’ve worked hard enough to land an interview at your dream law firm, they ask for references during your interview. At least 2-3 individuals should vouch for your professional qualifications – such as former supervisors from previous jobs, professors who have taught you or current partners and senior associates at your current firm.
When selecting references for potential firms (e.g. writing skills or analytical ability), make sure they can address those skills you are looking for (e.g. writing or analytical ability). Also ask about professional experience as well as handling of any disciplinary matters they’ve been subject to – this information can help weed out “bad apples” and find an attorney that meets all your criteria. If any lawyer has been disciplined previously, search state and federal databases for disciplinary records as this will give an idea of issues they’ve encountered over time (you can filter by jurisdiction/level/date range to search the results on Lexis Westlaw).
4. Personal Experience
Personal referrals are the ideal starting point when searching for a lawyer. In addition, state bar associations or online resources may offer peer reviews or attorney ratings which might prove useful as well.
Your community may include people experiencing legal problems similar to your own; perhaps women battling sexual harassment or environmentalists opposing freeway construction. Speak to these groups about who they have hired and if they were satisfied with the services received.
Once you have identified several potential attorneys, arrange to meet each in person. Most lawyers offer consultation appointments without cost to evaluate an attorney’s experience, personality and fee structure. It is key that you find an attorney with whom you feel comfortable working – they will be handling some of the most personal aspects of your life so it is essential you develop a good rapport.
