how to find a lawyer in another state

by Katharina Schultz 6 min read

A person wants to ensure that their out-of-state attorney is licensed in the state in which they practice. For example, in California, a person can go to the website of the State Bar of California at http://www.calbar.cal.gov and look up any licensed attorney in California by name.Aug 24, 2021

How do I find a lawyer in two different states?

Nov 08, 2019 · Lawyers know who among them are the best and worst, so you can probably just call a few firms and ask if they handle your type of case. If they don't, you can ask if they know anyone who does. If you make enough calls, you'll start to see some names start floating to the top. Share Improve this answer answered Nov 11, 2019 at 18:49 bdb484 41.2k 3

How do I find a qualified attorney out of State?

Mar 04, 2020 · The first step of this process is to make sure you have in-state counsel who is willing to work with an out-of-state attorney. Together, your attorneys will have to use the “buddy system” to move through your case. Your local attorney will need to file a motion to have the out-of-state lawyer appear pro hac vice.

How do I find out if a lawyer has a license?

You can find your local bar association in the phone book’s white pages either under your community’s name (“Centerville Bar Association”) or under your county’s name (“Cass County Bar Association”). You can also find your bar’s website through your favorite search engine, or through the ABA's interactive state-by-state lawyer-referral directory.

Can I hire a lawyer in another state?

(See Reference 1.) Click on the "Public Resources" menu and scroll down and click on "Lawyer Locator." Step 2 Make sure that "Lawyers" is selected in the "Search For" screen at the top of the "Lawyer Locator" section. Step 3 Select the jurisdictions where your legal problem arises in the "U.S. State/Canadian Province" window.

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Does your lawyer have to be local?

Not exactly. Each state regulates the practice of law. Generally, only attorneys licensed in a particular state can practice law there.Mar 4, 2020

What is the best site to find a lawyer?

8 Of The Most Popular Lawyer Review Sites In 2020Google lawyer reviews. Google has quickly become a giant contributor in the world of online reviews. ... Yelp. Yelp isn't just for finding the best pizza joint in town. ... Avvo. ... Martindale–Hubbell. ... Lawyers.com. ... Better Business Bureau. ... 7. Facebook. ... NOLO.Oct 14, 2021

How do I know if an attorney is legit?

So if you're curious, use these five quick ways to research whether your lawyer is legit:State Bar Profile. Every lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your home state must be listed in your state bar association's directory. ... Google / Search Engines. ... Yelp. ... The Attorney's Own Website. ... Third-Party Rating Groups.Sep 18, 2014

What does avvo stand for?

lawyerAVVO comes from the Italian word for lawyer: avvocato. And the information AVVO provides is just as simple. The higher the rating, the more favorable an attorney's background, according to AVVO's algorithm. AVVO is unbiased, meaning attorneys cannot pay to improve ratings or hide negative information.

What are the benefits of being a multistate lawyer?

The biggest benefit of being a multistate lawyer is that you open up a larger client base. For example, for states that lack population density for your niche legal practice area, being able to take cases from the other side of the state line is big.

Is it easier to practice in one state or two?

Admittedly, it is so much easier to just practice in one state. However, there are many benefits to becoming a multi-state lawyer, including increased flexibility and opportunities to grow your legal practice.

Is the UBE in California?

It is no longer 50 states, 50 bar exams. Even the legendarily difficult New York state bar exam is now gone in favor of the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). There are even rumors that California—the state that once had the longest, most difficult exam and zero reciprocity—may move to the UBE soon.

Can I take another bar exam?

There is always the option of taking another bar exam. This tends to be a less popular option for multi-state lawyers—reciprocity and the UBE are typically much more popular options. My first bar exam in another state was an excruciating marathon, while struggling with unemployment, insomnia, and fear of failure.

Can I take the bar exam in multiple states?

Although taking bar exams in multiple states to become a multi-state lawyer is challenging, it could be a good option. This is because you’ll know how hard the first exam was. The second exam likely will not be that stressful. And if you passed the exam once, you can do it again.

Can I piggyback on a trust account?

Some states will allow you to piggyback on another state’s trust account if you are a multi-state legal practitioner. But most states will require their own. Finding a bank that can effectively handle lawyer trust accounts is challenging in itself.

Do you need multiple state bar licenses?

As mentioned, there is a great debate on whether you need multiple State Bar licenses if you are primarily practicing federal law. Some lawyers take the stance of “it’s primarily federal, so I’ll practice everywhere.” On the other hand, a lawyer who practiced bankruptcy law in Michigan while carrying only a Texas bar card was admitted to the federal court. Years of litigation later, the Sixth Circuit sided with him in a close decision and the issue remains cloudy outside of that circuit.

What is a legal niche?

The answer may be simpler than you think. Lawyers generally focus on one or several related areas of law (a legal niche). There’s a seemingly endless amount of legal niches – from family law to personal injury, to intellectual property (and beyond).

What is a pro hac vice?

Pro hac vice admission is one procedure designed to help lawyers better serve their clients when there’s a need to combine subject matter experts with local counsel.

Is truth a defense to defamation?

Defamation Fact: Truth is a defense to an allegation of defamation in most circumstances. Among the six elements required for someone to successfully sue another for defamation of character is the requirement that the defamer’s statement was false. If their statement is true, there is no liability for defamation.

Can an attorney practice law in a state?

Generally, only attorneys licensed in a particular state can practice law there . The unauthorized practice of law is a serious violation and applies to non-lawyers acting as lawyers as well as attorneys that try to practice law in states where they are not licensed. There are some exceptions to this rule:

Is it cheaper to hire one attorney or two?

It seems obvious that it would be less expensive to hire only one attorney rather than two. But having a lawyer that is inexperienced in a particular area of law or procedure can be as costly (or more) than having two experienced attorneys working together.

Is it better to have two heads or one?

When it comes to specialized issues like internet defamation, two heads are often better than one. Sometimes, two attorneys working together – local counsel and a subject matter expert – provide the best chances for your case’s success.

What does legal insurance cover?

These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters. Other programs cover only advice and consultation with a lawyer.

How long can you be in jail for a crime?

Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes.

Can you be incarcerated for six months?

If you are accused of a crime, the U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes. If you cannot afford a lawyer, either the judge hearing the case will appoint a private lawyer to represent you free of charge or the government’s public defender will handle your case, also at no charge.

Step 1

Visit the ABA website. (See Reference 1.) Click on the "Public Resources" menu and scroll down and click on "Lawyer Locator."

Step 2

Make sure that "Lawyers" is selected in the "Search For" screen at the top of the "Lawyer Locator" section.

Step 3

Select the jurisdictions where your legal problem arises in the "U.S. State/Canadian Province" window. Hold down the control key to select more than one jurisdiction. The system works best if you select just one jurisdiction under this window.

Step 4

Select the areas of law that best cover your legal problem (s) under the "Areas of Practice" window. Hold down the control key to select more than one area.

Step 5

Click on the jurisdictions in which you need the attorneys to be licensed under the "Bar Admissions" window. Hold down the control key to select more than one jurisdiction and try to limit your search to no more than two jurisdictions.

Step 6

Skip the "Years in Practice" and "Major Memberships" windows and click on "Go." The system will return information on attorneys who meet your search criteria.

How to find a lawyer for a lawsuit?

Here are a few other sources you can turn to for possible candidates in your search for a lawyer: 1 The director of your state or local chamber of commerce may be a good source of business lawyers. 2 The director of a nonprofit group interested in the subject matter that underlies your lawsuit is sure to know lawyers who work in that area. For example, if your dispute involves trying to stop a major new subdivision, it would make sense to consult an environmental group committed to fighting urban sprawl. 3 A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. 4 A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.

What is a lawyer referral service?

Lawyer referral services are another source of information. There is a wide variation in the quality of lawyer referral services, however, even though they are required to be approved by the state bar association. Some lawyer referral services carefully screen attorneys and list only those attorneys with particular qualifications and a certain amount of past experience, while other services will list any attorney in good standing with the state bar who maintains liability insurance. Before you choose a lawyer referral service, ask what its qualifications are for including an attorney and how carefully lawyers are screened.

What is Nolo lawyer directory?

Nolo offers a unique lawyer directory that provides a comprehensive profile for each attorney with information that will help you select the right attorney. The profiles tell you about the lawyer's experience, education, and fees, and perhaps most importantly, the lawyer's general philosophy of practicing law.

How much does a lawyer charge an hour?

Lawyers, of course, are prime sources of this information, but if you bought all the needed information at their rates -- $150 to $450 an hour -- you'd quickly empty your bank account.

What can a law librarian do?

A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.

Do lawyers work with you?

Fortunately, many lawyers will work with you to help you acquire a good working knowledge of the legal principles and procedures you need to deal with your problem at least partly on your own. If you are hoping to represent yourself and use a lawyer only for advice, make sure the lawyer is open to that type of set-up.

How many years of experience do I need to become an attorney?

Typically, you should look for an attorney with at least three to five years of experience practicing the type of law you need help with. Additionally, you should choose an attorney that currently practices in the area you need help with.

What is a family law attorney?

Family law attorneys handle matters such as separation, divorce, pre-nuptial agreements, adoption, guardianship, child custody and support. Personal injury law. Personal injury attorneys handle cases involving medical malpractice, dog bites, car accidents and any injury to a person that may be the fault of another.

What is hourly rate in law?

Lawyers charging an hourly rate “bill” hours and then charge the client for the amount of hours worked on the client’s matter. Usually, hourly rates are used by businesses and corporations who may be involved in litigation. Additionally, individuals may be charged hourly rates for long or complicated litigation. ...

What is an engagement letter?

This is a contract between you and your attorney that defines the nature of the legal engagement you are involved in, and the conditions and terms of your agreement with your attorney.

Do attorneys charge for consultations?

Most attorneys do consultation appointments for free. However, some may charge a small fee for a consultation. Make certain that you know whether you will be charged, and don't make an appointment with an attorney who isn't forthcoming about these details. Most attorneys offer consultations for free.

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Can Lawyers Practice in Any State?

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Mostly, no. Most practice areas are governed by state law, and those will require a State Bar license. Even fields of law that are primarily federal—bankruptcy, immigration, etc.—may require a State B...
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Benefits of Becoming A Multi-State Lawyer

  • More opportunities to grow your client base
    The biggest benefit of being a multistate lawyer is that you open up a larger client base. For example, for states that lack population density for your niche legal practice area, being able to take cases from the other side of the state line is big. For some practice areas(like business for…
  • Increased geographical flexibility
    With the law, they only offer a bar exam twice per year. Also, moving between states can throw your career off for months or even years. This is because you have to deal with licensure and character and fitness requirements. Personally, when I met my wife, I was licensed in California …
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Ethical Responsibilities of Becoming A Multi-State Lawyer

  • As mentioned, there is a great debate on whether you need multiple State Bar licenses if you are primarily practicing federal law. Some lawyers take the stance of “it’s primarily federal, so I’ll practice everywhere.” On the other hand, a lawyer who practiced bankruptcy law in Michigan while carrying only a Texas bar card wasadmitted to the federal court. Years of litigation later, the Sixt…
See more on clio.com

Not Quite “Uniform” Bar Exam

  • It is no longer 50 states, 50 bar exams. Even the legendarily difficult New York state bar exam is now gone in favor of the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). There are even rumors that California—the state that once had the longest, most difficult exam and zero reciprocity—may move to the UBE soon. The Uniform Bar Exam is at once a welcome change and a frustrating misnomer. While ea…
See more on clio.com

How to Become A Multi-State Lawyer

  • Apply for reciprocity with other states’ bars
    Even if you did not take the uniform bar, there are other ways to get admitted in a state without taking another bar exam. Most states have some form of reciprocity where they will allow lawyers admitted in a reciprocal state to gain admission on application—no exam required. The states ty…
  • Take bar exams in multiple states
    There is always the option of taking another bar exam. This tends to be a less popular option for multi-state lawyers—reciprocity and the UBE are typically much more popular options. My first bar exam in another state was an excruciating marathon, while struggling with unemployment, inso…
See more on clio.com

Transactional Lawyer vs. Litigator

  • The process of gaining admission to the bar will not vary based on whether or not you like to step into a courtroom. Similarly, the advantages are similar for transactional lawyers and litigators if they stack up a couple of bar cards. For transactional lawyers, other than the cost of admission, bar dues, and CLEs, there is very little downside to being a multi-state lawyer. You can probably …
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Federal Courts

  • As mentioned, there is a great debate about whether you need additional state licenses for practicing federal law out-of-state. Theoretically, if you are admitted to the federal court and the law is entirely federal, you should not need a local State Bar license. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get into trouble with the State Bar from the unauthorized practice of law. However, it is im…
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Practical Considerations For Multi-State Lawyers

  • For lawyers licensed in multiple states, be prepared to put in more work upfront. Trust accounts?Some states will allow you to piggyback on another state’s trust account if you are a multi-state legal practitioner. But most states will require their own. Finding a bank that can effectively handle lawyer trust accounts is challenging in itself. Finding a bank that can successf…
See more on clio.com

You Could Benefit from Getting Licensed in Multiple States

  • Admittedly, it is so much easier to just practice in one state. However, there are many benefits to becoming a multi-state lawyer, including increased flexibility and opportunities to grow your legal practice. Today, with reciprocity and uniform bar admission, becoming a multi-state lawyer is a lot less challenging than before. If your circumstances require it or if you find it advantageous for y…
See more on clio.com