Lawyers in New York

Finding a lawyer in New York

New York is two very different legal markets in one state. New York City has firms of every size, from single-attorney offices in Queens and Brooklyn to large Manhattan practices. Upstate, in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany, and on Long Island, most firms are small and serve their own county courts. The right lawyer is usually one who regularly handles your type of case in the court where it will be heard.

This directory lists New York law firms by city and by practice area. Open a city page to see firms near you, or pick a practice area first. Each firm page shows contact details and, where the record is available, the registration status of its attorneys.

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

Some situations call for a lawyer right away. If you have been arrested or contacted by police, speak to a criminal defense attorney before answering questions. If you were seriously hurt in a car accident, on the job or through medical care, a New York personal injury lawyer can protect your claim while you recover. Divorce involving children or property, immigration matters, eviction and foreclosure, and any lawsuit you have been served with are also worth an early consultation. Deadlines are set by statute and some are short.

Other matters may not need a lawyer. Small claims courts across the state are built for people to represent themselves in modest money disputes, and simple name changes or uncontested traffic tickets are often handled without counsel. Many New York attorneys offer a free or low-cost first consultation, which is a cheap way to find out which group your problem falls into.

Common practice areas in New York

• Personal Injury — falls, construction injuries and other harm caused by negligence; worksite cases are a large part of this field in New York.
• Car Accident — collision claims under New York's no-fault insurance system and lawsuits for serious injuries.
• Family & Divorce — divorce, custody, child support and orders of protection, heard in Supreme Court and Family Court.
• Criminal Defense — representation from arraignment through trial in local and county criminal courts.
• DUI & DWI — New York calls it driving while intoxicated; cases involve both the court and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Immigration — visas, green cards, naturalization and removal defense under federal law.
• Estate Planning & Probate — wills, trusts, powers of attorney and estate administration in Surrogate's Court.
• Real Estate — closings, leases, co-op and condo matters; New York buyers and sellers customarily use attorneys at closing.
• Workers' Compensation — on-the-job injury benefits through the New York State Workers' Compensation Board.

How to check a lawyer's license in New York

New York does not have a mandatory state bar. Attorneys are admitted by the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court and must register periodically with the Office of Court Administration. The public attorney search on the New York State Unified Court System website shows whether a lawyer is currently registered, the year of admission and any public discipline.

Confirm the status reads as currently registered, check that the name and office match, and look for disciplinary history. Complaints about attorney conduct go to the Attorney Grievance Committees of the Appellate Division. The New York State Bar Association is a voluntary group, so membership in it is not proof of a license.

How to choose a law firm

Start with fit, not size. A firm that handles your kind of case every week in your county will know the judges and local practice better than a larger firm that rarely appears there. Ask who will actually work on your file.

Understand billing before you sign. Personal injury and workers' compensation cases are typically taken on contingency, where the lawyer is paid a share of any recovery. Divorce, criminal defense and business matters are more often billed hourly or as a flat fee. New York generally requires a written engagement letter, and in divorce matters a statement of client rights and responsibilities. Read both.

Questions to ask at the first consultation

• How many cases like mine have you handled in this court recently?
• Who will work on my case day to day?
• What are the possible outcomes, and what would each one take?
• How do you charge, and what costs are separate from your fee?
• What deadlines apply to my situation right now?
• How often will you update me?
• Have you ever been disciplined by a grievance committee?

Free and low-cost legal help

Civil legal aid organizations serve low-income New Yorkers in housing, family, benefits and immigration matters; in New York City the Legal Aid Society is the largest, and upstate regions have their own legal services offices. The New York State Bar Association and the New York City Bar both run lawyer referral services that arrange a reduced-fee first meeting. Law schools operate clinics where supervised students take real cases. Anyone facing criminal charges who cannot afford counsel is entitled to a court-appointed lawyer, and court help centers assist people representing themselves.

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