Welcome to LALegal.org!

This Web service exists to facilitate the process of finding the appropriate attorney for the specific need you may have.

There are many ways to find an attorney:
You can check attorney public records and/or you can check an attorney's official bar membership record (address, phone number, discipline history, etc.) on your approptiate State Bar's Web site. The State Bar maintains a list of attorneys who are certified specialists in particular areas of law. Contact you local bar association by phone.

Friends, co-workers, employers and even other lawyers can often make recommendations. Business people or professionals such as bankers, ministers, doctors, social workers and teachers are also good sources. The Yellow Pages provide certified legal referrals.

Some people may be eligible for free legal aid, depending on income and the kind of legal problem. Also, many law schools have free legal clinics. Some communities have "dispute resolution" programs. These programs can try to help "mediate" or work out problems instead of going to court. Often some professions have peer reviews that mediate problems.

There are prepaid legal plans that provide a certain amount of legal advice at a reduced rate.

What should you consider before you hire an attorney?
Discussing your problem with an attorney may be the best thing you can do if you think you have a legal issue that you can't resolve yourself. Even if you end up having to pay for to consultation with an attorney, it could be a wise investment that ultimately saves you time and money. It may be possible to arrange a free consultation with an attorney. If you are not sure of your legal rights, it is probably wise to retain a lawyer to evaluate your situation. He or she may advise you of an alternative.

What attorney do you need?
Many attorneys specialize in only one area of law. Other lawyers handle a wide range of legal issues. You want to hire an attorney who has expertise to represent you effectively.

How to keep control of your fees:
Lawyers typically bill for telephone calls, so do not call unless you have carefully considered the conversation you may have with them. Lawyers also bill for travel time and costs. So, given the choice, plan meetings at your lawyer's office. Insist that your attorney provide you with an itemized bill that gives detailed information on how you are being charged.