Lawyers in Washington, PA

Finding a lawyer in Washington

Washington is the seat of Washington County, southwest of Pittsburgh, and civil and criminal matters from the county are heard in the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. Home to Washington & Jefferson College and long tied to natural gas and energy development in the surrounding region, the city's legal market covers the family, criminal and real estate work typical of a courthouse town, alongside oil and gas lease and land matters found across the county.

Legal issues people in Washington bring to lawyers

• Real Estate — closings, boundary disputes and oil and gas lease questions tied to land across Washington County.
• Family & Divorce — divorce, custody and support matters heard in the county's Court of Common Pleas.
• Criminal Defense and DUI & DWI — defense from the preliminary hearing through trial in the county's courts.
• Workers' Compensation — job-injury claims for the area's energy, manufacturing and healthcare workforce.
• Personal Injury and Car Accident — crash and negligence claims, generally pursued on a contingency fee.
• Estate Planning & Probate — wills, trusts and estate administration through the county Register of Wills and Orphans' Court.

Choosing a law firm in Washington

Before signing on with a firm, look up the attorney in the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania's online search to confirm active status and check for any public discipline; Pennsylvania Bar Association membership is a separate, voluntary group and not proof of a license. Ask how often the firm appears in Washington County's courts for cases like yours, and for a land or lease matter, whether the lawyer has handled oil and gas issues before. Get the fee arrangement — contingency, hourly or flat fee — in writing before any work begins.

Free and low-cost help

Income-qualifying Washington County residents can reach a free civil legal aid program through PALawHelp.org, maintained by the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, for help with housing, family and benefits matters. A reduced-cost first meeting with a private attorney is also available through the Pennsylvania Bar Association's statewide referral service, and the Unified Judicial System publishes forms and guidance for people who choose to represent themselves.

For a closer look, see real estate lawyers in Washington, or compare with lawyers in Pittsburgh nearby.

Lawyers in Pennsylvania

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