How to Choose a Lawyer in the United States

Most people hire a lawyer only a few times in their life, so the process can feel unfamiliar. The steps are fairly clear, though. This guide explains what to look at, where to check, and how to compare your options before you sign anything.

Start with the type of problem

Lawyers in the United States usually focus on a few areas of law. A lawyer who handles wills and estates may not handle car accident claims, and a criminal defense lawyer may not handle divorce. Before you search, write one sentence that describes your problem, such as "I was hurt in a car accident and the insurance company has not paid my medical bills." That sentence will help you find a lawyer who works in the right area.

Some legal matters are federal, such as bankruptcy and immigration. Others are handled by state, county, or city courts. The U.S. Courts website explains how the federal system is organized, and the USAGov courts page lists the federal, state, county, and municipal courts that may be involved. Knowing which court is involved helps you find a lawyer who practices there.

Check that the lawyer is licensed

Lawyers are licensed by individual states. A license in one state does not automatically allow a lawyer to practice in another. Each state has a licensing body, often called the state bar, that keeps a public record of licensed attorneys. Many offer an online search where you can see whether a license is active and whether there are public disciplinary records.

Ask the lawyer which state licensed them and for their bar number, then check that record yourself. Do not rely only on a website or an advertisement. The USAGov laws and legal issues page, which includes help finding a lawyer, is a good place to start if you are not sure where to look.

Look for experience in your kind of case

Ask how much of the lawyer's work involves your type of problem. Ask how many matters like yours they have handled, which courts they appear in, and whether they will work on the case personally. Some firms have several lawyers, and the person you meet first may not be the person who does the daily work. Find out who will actually be handling your file.

Experience is useful information, but it is not a promise. A lawyer can describe past work, yet no lawyer can promise how your case will turn out. If someone promises a result, treat that as a warning sign.

Understand how the lawyer gets paid

Lawyers use several payment methods. Some charge by the hour. Some charge a flat fee for a defined task, such as preparing a document. Personal injury and some other cases may use a contingency fee, which means the lawyer is paid a share of any money recovered. Each method has its own terms, and those terms should be written down. Ask which costs are separate from the fee, such as court filing fees, medical records, or reports from outside professionals, and who pays them if the case does not produce money.

Compare a few options

If you can, speak with two or three lawyers before you choose. Notice how each one listens, whether they explain things in plain language, and whether they answer your questions directly. You are also finding out whether you can work with this person for months, sometimes longer.

Keep short notes after each meeting. Write down the fee terms, the next steps, and what the lawyer said about your options. Notes make it easier to compare, especially when several conversations happen in the same week.

Also think about practical matters. Find out where the office is, whether you can meet by phone or video, and whether staff speak your language if English is not your first language. A lawyer you cannot reach easily or cannot understand can make a hard process harder, even when their legal knowledge is strong.

If you cannot afford a private lawyer

Free and low-cost help exists. The USAGov legal aid page lists programs that offer free legal advice, pro bono lawyers, and low-cost attorneys. The Legal Services Corporation is an independent nonprofit that funds civil legal aid organizations for people with low incomes, and its site lets you search by city or address. Legal aid can be a good first step if your income is limited.

Frequently asked questions

Does a lawyer need to be licensed in my state?

A lawyer generally needs a license in the state where a case is filed. Check the state bar's public record to confirm that the license covers your state.

Is a lawyer's advertisement enough to choose a firm?

An advertisement is a starting point, not a full picture. Check the license yourself, and ask your questions in person or by phone before you decide.

What if I already have a lawyer and want a second opinion?

That is common. Tell your current lawyer that you are getting another view, and ask the new lawyer to review the same documents.

Can I change lawyers later?

Often you can, but the steps and any fees for work already done depend on your written agreement and your state's rules. Ask about this before you sign.

Related: Browse guides on legal topics and lawyers in Los Angeles.

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