Attorney hiring center
A directory can show you who is available to research. This center helps you decide what to verify, what to ask, and how to compare the answers without treating display order, advertising, or a promised result as proof of fit.
Build a relevant shortlist
Start with location and the kind of incident or injury involved. A firm profile is an invitation to ask whether the firm currently accepts that kind of work—not evidence that the firm is a specialist or the right choice.
Browse firms by state →Verify the individual lawyer
Ask which lawyer may represent you. Search that person’s current record through the licensing authority for the relevant state, and contact the authority when a status or public entry is unclear.
American Bar Association directory of state licensing agencies ↗Compare every firm with the same questions
| Topic | Question to ask | What to record |
|---|---|---|
| Relevant work | Does the firm currently handle this type of matter in the relevant jurisdiction? | A specific answer and the facts still needed for assessment |
| Responsibility | Which lawyer would supervise the work, and who is the day-to-day contact? | Names, roles, and how staffing changes are communicated |
| Communication | How are updates provided and routine questions handled? | A concrete channel and realistic expectations |
| Fees | How is the lawyer fee calculated, and can it change by stage? | Written terms and an example—not only a headline percentage |
| Expenses | Which case costs may be charged, and when are they deducted or repaid? | Treatment of costs with and without a recovery |
| Next step | What does the firm need, what will it do, and when should I expect an answer? | A clear action, owner, and time expectation |
Leave a field blank if an answer was not provided. Do not improve an answer from memory after the conversation.
Read the full comparison guide →Read the agreement before deciding
Check scope, fees, expenses, staffing, communication, termination, file handling, and the process for accounting for any recovery. Ask for clarification of unfamiliar terms and keep a copy of what you sign.
Understand fee and expense questions →General information only. This site does not recommend a firm or provide legal advice. Licensing structures, professional rules, fees, and representation terms vary by jurisdiction and matter.