where do find a lawyer to hire online

by Eliezer Kassulke 6 min read

Every legal issue requires a different type of attorney and the best place to find them all is FindLaw. The online directory lists hundreds of U.S. attorneys in 119 specific areas of law, making it easy to find the most qualified practitioner for your case.

Full Answer

What is the best way to hire a lawyer?

Having the right attorney when you need one can help you resolve a dispute with neighbors, end a marriage, enforce your rights in the workplace, or even avoid prison time. When life gets legal, whether it's a DUI charge or a positive event such as adoption, it often makes sense to get a lawyer. But hiring a lawyer is not necessary for all legal procedures, which is why FindLaw …

How to hire a lawyer with no money?

Sep 09, 2019 · Where can I find low-cost legal help? Several legal assistance programs offer inexpensive or free legal services to those in need. Look in the yellow pages under topics such as “legal clinics,” “legal aid,” or “legal advice,” or search online. Most legal aid programs have special guidelines for eligibility, often based on where you live, the size of your family, and your income.

Is it worth it to hire a lawyer?

In your search for the right lawyer, you should look for a lawyer who understands and has experience in the specific area of law for your issue. For example, a divorce lawyer may not be able to help you if you are considering declaring bankruptcy for your business, but a bankruptcy lawyer who understands bankruptcy and business law would be a perfect match.

Why should I hire a lawyer?

Feb 24, 2021 · FindLaw’s directory lists hundreds of attorneys in 119 practice areas, making it one of the best places to find a lawyer online. Pros Lists attorneys in …

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What is the best site to find a lawyer?

These are the Top lawyer websites to help you find the best lawyers near youLawyers.com. Lawyers.com is the best and a free online lawyer website and directory and is the most popular one too. ... Avvo.com. ... Nolo.com. ... FindLaw.com. ... Martindale.com. ... SuperLawyers.com.Jul 27, 2021

What is the best online legal forms service?

The Best Online Legal Services for 2022Best Overall: LegalShield.Best Free Advice: Avvo.Best Self-Service Documents: LegalZoom.Best for Finding a Lawyer: FindLaw.Best for Complex Needs: Rocket Lawyer.Best for Startup Businesses: Incfile.

Is LegalZoom a good source?

Overall, LegalZoom is well-rated across online review sites. LegalZoom has an average of more than four stars on Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and the Better Business Bureau. LegalZoom is a BBB-accredited business with an A+ rating—however, they do have more than 500 complaints closed in the last three years.May 6, 2021

How do I get paid legal advice online?

Here are some websites and apps where you can join as a Legal expert and earn money from home:UpCounsel. UpCounsel is an online legal marketplace for businesses. ... Hire an Esquire. Hire an Esquire is another great platform for freelance lawyers. ... LawTrades. ... LawClerk. ... FlexLegal. ... Montage Legal Group.Apr 23, 2020

Is avvo really free?

Avvo is a free site, although there is some support for having a paid subscription.Sep 18, 2019

Why you shouldn't use LegalZoom?

LegalZoom Admits Its Limitations in Helping You LegalZoom's legal document service is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. LegalZoom cannot provide legal advice and can only provide self-help services at your specific direction. LegalZoom is not permitted to engage in the practice of law.

Who started LegalZoom?

Robert ShapiroBrian LeeLegalZoom/Founders

What is LegalZoom total compliance?

4) Compliance assistance – Next up is LegalZoom's Total Compliance package. According to their description, this includes annual report service, help with corporate recordkeeping, and assistance keeping your personal and business assets separate. This service costs $280 per year.Feb 3, 2022

How does FindLaw help you?

FindLaw's Guide to Hiring a Lawyer not only helps you determine when you should hire a lawyer, but also helps you choose the right one, understand legal fees and agreements, and get some peace of mind. While lawyers can seem expensive, not having legal counsel when you need it can be far more costly. Practice Areas.

What is a lawyer?

Lawyers typically specialize in one type of law, or a few related practice areas. For example, one lawyer may only work on family-related immigration cases, while another may handle a wide variety of injury cases. Some attorneys don't undertake litigation at all, but serve more transactional or advisory roles.

What is a family law attorney?

A family law attorney may handle primarily divorce cases, or even specialize in custody disputes. Lawyers also differ in the way their respective firms are structured, ranging in size from single-attorney practices to large, multi-state (or even multinational) firms with thousands of attorneys on staff.

How many lawyers are in a boutique firm?

In the middle are small firms, which employ between two and 10 lawyers and are sometimes called "boutique" firms. They offer the attention provided by single-attorney firms, but with enough depth to take on a broader range of legal topics.

Why do we need a lawyer?

Having the right attorney when you need one can help you resolve a dispute with neighbors, end a marriage, enforce your rights in the workplace, or even avoid prison time. When life gets legal, whether it's a DUI charge or a positive event such as adoption, it often makes sense to get a lawyer.

Can a single attorney set up a living will?

A single attorney, perhaps working solo, is capable of setting up a living will and trust. But a large company going through a major acquisition will hire a large firm with deep resources and specialized staff attorneys. Some legal issues do not require the help of an attorney.

Do attorneys represent clients in court?

Some attorneys don't undertake litigation at all, but serve more transactional or advisory roles. Many in-house business attorneys, while qualified to represent clients in court, rarely step foot in a court room. Within these larger practice areas, attorneys may choose to focus on one or more specific types of cases.

What should I look for when choosing a lawyer?

The lawyer will be helping you solve your problems, so the first qualification is that you must feel comfortable enough to tell him or her, honestly and completely, all the facts necessary to resolve your problem.

Are there any practical considerations to keep in mind when choosing a lawyer?

Yes, the lawyer’s area of expertise and prior experience are important. Many states have specialization programs that certify lawyers as specialists in certain types of law.

Where should I start to look for a lawyer?

There are many ways to find a reliable lawyer. One of the best is a recommendation from a trusted friend, relative, or business associate. Be aware, however, that each legal case is different and that a lawyer who is right for someone else may not suit you or your legal problem.

Are advertisements a good place to look for a lawyer?

In some ways, yes, ads are useful. However, always be careful about believing everything you read and hear — and nowhere is this truer than with advertisements. Newspaper, telephone directory, radio, television, and Internet ads, along with direct mail, can make you familiar with the names of lawyers who may be appropriate for your legal needs.

What about a local referral service?

Most communities have referral services to help people find lawyers. You might be able to find them under “Lawyer Referral Service” or something similar in your yellow pages. These services usually recommend a lawyer in the area to evaluate a situation.

My new job offers a prepaid legal services plan. What can I expect?

Legal services, like many other things, are often less expensive when bought in bulk. Some employers, labor and credit unions, and other groups have formed “legal insurance” plans. These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters.

I want to hire a lawyer, but I do not have much money. Where can I find low-cost legal help?

Several legal assistance programs offer inexpensive or free legal services to those in need. Look in the yellow pages under topics such as “legal clinics,” “legal aid,” or “legal advice,” or search online. Most legal aid programs have special guidelines for eligibility, often based on where you live, the size of your family, and your income.

What is an hourly rate for a lawyer?

Hourly Rate: Lawyers often charge an agreed-upon hourly rate for their work, and the work of their assistants. The hourly rate applies to both face-to-face consultations and behind-the-scenes work on your case. A good lawyer will usually be able to estimate the required number of hours per case in advance.

Why are lawyers important?

Lawyers are also important partners in situations that don’t involve the courtroom, advising clients about their legal rights and obligations for personal or business issues. They are trained to interpret complicated systems of laws and navigate the court system.

Why is it important to understand a lawyer's previous experience?

Understanding a lawyer’s previous experience is essential to understanding how they can handle your case. You’ll want to ask how many years the lawyer has been practicing. A lack of experience doesn’t necessarily make for a bad lawyer, though, especially if they have experienced lawyers around them.

How long does it take to get advice on Avvo?

According to Avvo, someone gets advice every five seconds on the platform’s Q&A board, usually within 12 hours or less. To submit a question through Avvo, all you need to do is fill out an online form with your question, any relevant details, and your city and state.

Is it cheaper to get a lawyer online?

Online legal services are often cheaper and more convenient than standard attorneys, although they have their limitations. There’s no need to pay hundreds of dollars for a simple will, for example, when you can create your own online for less than $100. At the very least, online legal services are a great place to get started with free or low-cost advice before committing resources to long-term legal representation.

How to find a good lawyer?

Finding the Right Kind of Lawyer 1 Ask family, friends, or co-workers for recommendations. 2 Check with your state and local bar associations. 3 Consult lawyer referral services offered by a union or community group you belong to.

What is the area of law that lawyers specialize in?

Many lawyers specialize in certain areas of law, such as family, estate, personal injury, contracts, or civil rights. It’s important to find a lawyer who has relevant experience with the legal area that you need. Take time to search for the right lawyer.

What happens if you don't get a lawyer's fee?

In a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer takes on the risk that your case might be unsuccessful. If you don’t get any money, your lawyer won’t get attorney’s fees. In some contingency fee arrangements, you might have to reimburse the lawyer for case-related expenses even if you don’t win your case.

What does it mean to pay a lawyer a flat fee?

If you pay a flat or “fixed” fee, you pay the lawyer a set dollar amount for a service, like writing a will. Many lawyers charge a flat fee for uncomplicated services like drafting incorporation papers, handling an uncontested divorce, or filing a simple bankruptcy.

What to do if your lawyer doesn't treat you fairly?

If you think your lawyer didn't treat you fairly, didn’t handle your case effectively, or overcharged you, talk with him or her and try to work out an agreement. Depending on the circumstances, you may be free to fire your lawyer, or you may need a judge’s permission.

Do experienced lawyers charge more per hour?

An experienced lawyer may charge a higher hourly rate than a beginner, but they may take fewer hours to do the job. Before you agree to pay a lawyer an hourly rate, get a written estimate of the number of hours it will take to complete your case, so you have an idea of your total costs.

What is a healthy attorney-client relationship?

A healthy attorney-client relationship is paramount when you're involved in a legal dispute—and most clients who participate actively in resolving their legal problems are more satisfied with the results. Here you'll find information that will help you hire and work with an attorney.

What to do if you've been putting something off?

If you've been putting something off—say you've meant to set up a trust for your grandchildren, you need to clean up old debts through bankruptcy, or your legal problem is especially upsetting, like a nasty lawsuit —hiring an attorney to handle everything can be just what you need.

Do you have to give consent to a lawyer to text you?

You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary.

Do lawyers provide limited help?

Many lawyers are open to providing limited help—reviewing documents or researching a particular issue, for example. To find attorneys who do this, just review attorneys' profiles: Nolo asks lawyers to indicate whether they're willing to coach clients or review client-prepared documents.

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.

Who is the best source of business lawyers?

The director of your state or local chamber of commerce may be a good source of business lawyers. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Can lawyers be terrible communicators?

Unfortunately, the complaint logs of all lawyer regulator y groups indicate that many lawyers are terrible communicators. If every time you have a problem there's a delay of several days before you can talk to your lawyer on the phone or get an appointment, you'll lose precious time, not to mention sleep.

What is the first contact with a lawyer?

One of the first contacts you will have with your lawyer will be a phone or in-person consultation. Some lawyers do this when you first call them. Others might set an appointment to talk in detail at a later date.

What is LSR lawyer?

Hiring a limited scope representation (LSR) lawyer is one way to keep fees lower. Unlike full representation, LSR lawyers help you with parts of your case instead of the whole thing. LSR lawyers may charge hourly or fixed fees, and may charge a retainer. To learn more, read Limited Scope Representation (LSR): a More Affordable Way to Hire a Lawyer.

What is a pro bono lawyer?

They may also be able to refer you to a pro bono lawyer. A pro bono lawyer is a lawyer who is not paid to take a case. Often, a pro bono lawyer works in private practice (a law firm) and usually charges clients. Sometimes these lawyers will take a case without charging fees as a service to the community.

What are the rules of a lawyer in Michigan?

There are ethical rules that all lawyers in Michigan have to follow. Your lawyer has to keep you informed about your case, including telling you about any settlement offers that arise. They have a general duty to be competent, which means they can’t take a case if they do not have the skills to handle it. Your lawyer must meet deadlines and explain your case to you in a way that allows you to make informed decisions.

What does it mean when a lawyer is conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest means that the lawyer has relationships or information that could impact their judgment in your case.

Do legal aid lawyers charge?

Legal aid lawyers are paid by the organizations they work for, but do not charge their clients. If you can’t find a free lawyer to help you, you can also look for lower cost legal help. You might consider hiring a lawyer only for parts of your case instead of the whole thing.

Can a lawyer represent you?

If there is a conflict of interest, the lawyer cannot represent you. There are many complicated ways a lawyer could have a conflict. Although it is disappointing to hear someone can’t represent you, the best thing to do in this situation is to move on and look for a different lawyer.

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