Lawyers in Georgia

Finding a lawyer in Georgia

Most of Georgia's law firms cluster in metro Atlanta, but the state's legal life runs through its many counties, each with its own courthouse and its own local lawyers in places like Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Columbus and Athens. A lawyer who practices in your county's Superior Court will usually know that court's calendar and habits better than an attorney driving in from the city.

Use this directory to find Georgia law firms by city or by the kind of case you have. City pages list firms in that area; practice pages gather firms statewide that handle one type of matter.

When you need a lawyer (and when you may not)

Call a Georgia attorney early if you have been arrested or charged, if you were injured in a wreck or on someone else's property, if you are being sued, or if a divorce involves children, a house or retirement accounts. Immigration questions that touch your status also belong with a lawyer. Georgia sets filing deadlines by statute, and missing one can end a claim.

You may not need a lawyer for a small money dispute, which Georgia's Magistrate Courts are designed to handle without attorneys, or for uncontested matters such as a simple traffic citation. Many Georgia lawyers offer a free or low-cost first meeting, and that conversation is the easiest way to learn whether you can handle your problem on your own.

Common practice areas in Georgia

• Car Accident — Georgia's highways and Atlanta traffic make collision claims one of the most common reasons people call a lawyer; these cases involve insurers and, when needed, a lawsuit in State or Superior Court.
• Personal Injury — falls, trucking accidents, defective products and other harm caused by negligence.
• Family & Divorce — divorce, custody, child support and legitimation, all heard in Superior Court.
• Criminal Defense — felonies in Superior Court, misdemeanors in State Court and municipal courts.
• DUI & DWI — Georgia uses the term DUI; a case brings both criminal charges and a separate license matter with the Department of Driver Services.
• Estate Planning & Probate — wills, trusts and estate administration through the county Probate Court.
• Real Estate — closings, title issues and landlord-tenant disputes; Georgia is an attorney-closing state.
• Workers' Compensation — on-the-job injury benefits through the State Board of Workers' Compensation.
• Immigration and Bankruptcy — federal matters heard in the immigration court in Atlanta and the federal bankruptcy courts for Georgia's districts.
• Business — formation, contracts and disputes.

How to check a lawyer's license in Georgia

Every lawyer who practices in Georgia must be a member of the State Bar of Georgia, which operates under the authority of the Supreme Court of Georgia. The Bar's online member directory is the place to confirm a license. Search by name and check that the status shows the lawyer is active and in good standing; the record also shows the date of admission and any public discipline.

If a name does not appear, or the status is inactive, suspended or disbarred, do not hire that person to represent you. Complaints about a Georgia lawyer's conduct are handled by the State Bar's Office of the General Counsel and the state disciplinary process that answers to the Supreme Court of Georgia.

How to choose a law firm

Look for a firm whose everyday work matches your problem. A lawyer who handles a few divorces a year is not the same as one who is in Superior Court on family matters every week. Ask directly how often they handle cases like yours and in which counties.

Then talk about money. Injury and workers' compensation cases are usually handled on contingency, where the fee comes out of any recovery. Divorce, criminal and business matters are typically billed hourly or at a flat rate, and many firms ask for a retainer up front. Get the fee agreement in writing, ask what expenses are billed separately, and find out who your day-to-day contact will be and how the firm prefers to communicate.

Questions to ask at the first consultation

• How many cases like mine have you handled, and in which Georgia counties?
• Who will actually work on my case?
• What are the realistic outcomes, and how long might each take?
• How do you charge, and what costs are separate from the fee?
• Which deadlines apply to me right now?
• How and how often will you update me?
• Are you an active member of the State Bar of Georgia in good standing?

Free and low-cost legal help

Georgia has two main civil legal aid providers: Atlanta Legal Aid Society for the metro area and Georgia Legal Services Program for the rest of the state, both serving people with limited income in housing, family, benefits and consumer matters. The Atlanta Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service that connects callers with attorneys for a modest initial fee. Law schools in Atlanta, Athens and Macon run clinics where supervised students represent clients. If you face criminal charges and cannot afford a lawyer, you have the right to a public defender.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed Georgia attorney about your situation.