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How do I find an attorney in my state?

Because laws differ from state to state, it’s a good idea to work with an attorney in your own state. Here are some suggestions on how to find a lawyer, and a list of free legal aid programs by state.

Ideas on how to find an attorney:

  • You can contact a lawyer referral service in your area by reaching out to your state or local bar association.
  • You may qualify for free legal services through legal aid. Scroll down for a list of offices in each state.
  • You can ask people you know to suggest attorneys they have worked with in the past.
  • You can ask an attorney you know or have worked with before if they can refer you to an attorney who has experience with issues similar to yours.
  • If you’re a servicemember, you can consult with your local JAG Legal Assistance Office .

What questions should I ask an attorney before hiring them?

To help determine whether the attorney has a good understanding of your situation, and to understand whether you can afford an attorney, consider asking these questions:

  • How much of your work involves this area of law and representing people in my situation?
  • Do you charge an up-front fee?
  • Do I have to pay even if I lose my case in court?
  • If I can’t afford to hire you, can you refer me to a consumer law attorney who may not charge up-front fees?

How can I check if an attorney is in good standing?

Before hiring an attorney, it is a good idea to make sure they are in good standing with the state bar association. You can also see if they have a disciplinary record. You can find this information by searching the attorney’s name on the state bar website where the attorney is licensed, or by calling the state bar association. Some states may have more than one bar association.

Where should I look for an attorney with affordable fees?

Some attorneys offer free services or charge a reduced fee. There could also be legal aid offices or legal clinics in your area that offer their services for free if you meet certain criteria.

This website has a state-by-state search to help you find an attorney.

Or, you can check the state-specific legal aid information below:

Alabama
Alabama Legal Aid Directory

Alaska
Alaska Legal Aid Directory

Arizona
Arizona Law Help

Arkansas
Arkansas Law Help

California
Law Help California

Colorado
Colorado Legal Services

Connecticut
Connecticut Law Help

Delaware
Delaware Legal Help Link

District of Columbia
District of Columbia Legal Aid Directory

Florida
Florida Law Help (site relaunching in June 2024)

Georgia
Georgia Legal Aid Directory

Hawaii
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii

Idaho
Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc.

Illinois
Illinois Legal Aid Online

Indiana
Indiana Legal Services, Inc.

Iowa
Iowa Legal Aid

Kansas
Kansas Legal Services

Kentucky
Kentucky Legal Aid

Louisiana
Louisiana Law Help

Maine
Maine Legal Aid

Maryland
Maryland Legal Aid

Massachusetts
Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder

Michigan
Michigan Legal Help

Minnesota
Minnesota Legal Services Corporation

Mississippi
Mississippi Legal Aid Directory

Missouri
Missouri Legal Services

Montana
Montana Legal Aid Directory

Nebraska
Legal Aid of Nebraska

Nevada
Nevada Legal Services

New Hampshire
New Hampshire Legal Aid

New Jersey
Legal Services of New Jersey

New Mexico
New Mexico Legal Aid

New York
New York Legal Aid

North Carolina
North Carolina Legal Aid

North Dakota
Legal Services of North Dakota

Ohio
Ohio Legal Help

Oklahoma
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc.

Oregon
Oregon Legal Aid Directory

Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Legal Aid

Rhode Island
Rhode Island Legal Services

South Carolina
South Carolina Legal Services

South Dakota
South Dakota Legal Aid

Tennessee
Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services

Texas
Texas Law Help

Utah
Utah Legal Services

Vermont
Vermont Legal Help

Virginia
Virginia Legal Aid Directory

Washington
Washington Legal Aid Directory

West Virginia
Legal Aid of West Virginia

Wisconsin
Legal Action of Wisconsin

Wyoming
Legal Aid of Wyoming