A legal issue arises, and now, you need to find a lawyer to handle it. In the past, you might have asked friends or family for recommendations, skimmed through your local phone book (remember the Yellow Pages?), or scanned newspaper articles for mentions of law firms. While these methods are still used today, they’re not always the most efficient or reliable way to locate a good attorney.
In today’s digital age, many people turn to the internet, conducting online searches or sifting through multiple review websites to find a lawyer. These methods, while generally more accessible, might not always yield reliable results. Plus, they can be time-consuming and potentially costly.
One method that has stood the test of time in locating legal counsel is the attorney referral service. This guide will dive into what attorney referral services are, how they work, and compare them with modern alternatives like LegalMatch to help you make an informed decision.
Attorney Referral Services: What Are They?
Attorney referral services are resources designed to connect people with lawyers who practice in the appropriate legal field for their cases. The Bar Association of a particular state typically organizes these services. In larger states, city or county bar associations may further categorize these services.
For instance, if you’re in Oklahoma and need a lawyer, the Oklahoma Bar Association provides a limited directory, but it doesn’t offer an attorney referral service. If you require such a service and are located within the right jurisdictions, you can visit the Tulsa County Bar Association’s website, which does provide an attorney referral service.
Services provided by state and local bar associations usually charge between $20 to $25 per attorney referral.
How Does an Attorney Referral Service Work?
So, how does this attorney referral service work? You start by locating and contacting the service. You’ll then need to explain your legal issue to a representative of the attorney referral service.
Based on the information you provide, the representative will comb through their database of attorneys and supply you with the contact details of a lawyer from their roster. But here’s the catch: How do you know that the lawyer you’re referred to best fits your specific case and not just the next attorney available to take a case? The sad truth is there’s no real way to tell.
If you want a selection of lawyers to choose from or wish to know more about the attorney you’ve been referred to – such as their case success rate – then an attorney referral service might not be the most efficient method to find the right lawyer for you.
This is reminiscent of the issues associated with using the Yellow Pages to find a lawyer, where an ad or phone number doesn’t provide enough information to evaluate the lawyer’s services. Using the Yellow Pages, like attorney referral services, can be hit-or-miss and often time-consuming.
The LegalMatch Platform: A Modern Solution
Recognizing the need for a more efficient and reliable method, LegalMatch developed a platform to revolutionize the traditional way of finding the right lawyer. Established in 2000, LegalMatch aims to simplify the process of locating a lawyer by empowering potential clients to make informed decisions about who to hire.
LegalMatch operates by connecting its users with local attorneys through its proprietary software. A user signs up for free and submits their case details. These details are then sent to local attorneys who practice in the relevant legal areas.
Lawyers who receive these alerts review the details and decide whether they’re interested and available to take on the case. If they are, they’ll reach out directly to the client to discuss the case further. The client is then free to decide whether to use the recommended attorney, with no obligation to hire that lawyer nor any charges for finding another one.
The LegalMatch Advantage: Why Choose LegalMatch Over Traditional Attorney Referral Services?
LegalMatch provides several significant advantages over traditional attorney referral services.
Pre-Screened attorneys
LegalMatch requires each attorney registered with them to possess a valid bar license, have excellent references, maintain good standing with their state bar association, and have no serious disciplinary issues. In contrast, any lawyer can place an ad in the Yellow Pages without such stringent checks.
Detailed information
With LegalMatch, you can access comprehensive information about all potential attorney matches. You’ll be able to learn about the attorney’s educational background, their legal experience, the types of cases they handle, their fees, and even client ratings from previous cases. In contrast, with traditional attorney referral services, you only get the name and phone number of the attorney. Any further information would require your own independent research.
Single explanation
Unlike other methods where you might need to explain your case multiple times to different attorneys, LegalMatch requires you to state your legal issue only once during the submission process. From there, you have control over which attorney you choose to hire.
Confidentiality
LegalMatch allows you to post your case while maintaining complete anonymity. You can post from the comfort of your home or from your office. Potential attorney matches will only see the facts of your case and not your personal details.
Satisfaction guarantee
LegalMatch offers a Satisfaction Guarantee of between $1,000 and $5,000 for all attorney matches, a benefit not typically provided by traditional attorney referral services.
Dedicated platform
Instead of following the attorney referral service model, LegalMatch focuses on being a comprehensive platform for attorneys and potential clients to connect.
High satisfaction rate
Over 98% of LegalMatch users say they would use their services again and recommend them to their friends.
Range of practice areas
LegalMatch has a wide array of legal professionals covering nearly every legal field. This range of options ensures you can find a lawyer who practices in the precise area of law relevant to your case.
Free to use
Using LegalMatch to find your potential attorney is completely free. You can submit your case without any charges, making it a cost-effective solution for those searching for legal counsel.
Speedy process
Once you submit your case details, LegalMatch quickly forwards them to potential attorneys. This means you don’t have to wait long to start receiving responses from interested lawyers.
No pressure
There’s no obligation to hire any of the attorneys that respond to your case. You have the freedom to review each one and make a decision based on your preferences and requirements.
Client-lawyer communication
LegalMatch encourages open communication between clients and lawyers. Before deciding on an attorney, you can ask questions, discuss fees, and get a better understanding of how they’d handle your case.
Accessibility
Since LegalMatch is an online platform, it’s accessible from anywhere, anytime. You can submit your case, review your matches, and communicate with potential lawyers at your convenience.
Educational resources
LegalMatch also provides a wealth of legal information and resources on our website. This helps educate users about various legal topics, empowering them to make more informed decisions about their legal needs.
Track record
LegalMatch has been successfully connecting clients and attorneys for over two decades. Our platform’s longevity and success rate speak volumes about its reliability and effectiveness.
Customer service
LegalMatch offers excellent customer service, providing assistance throughout the process of finding an attorney. This ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience for users.
Privacy
LegalMatch respects the privacy of its users. Your personal information is kept secure and is not shared without your consent.
When Do I Need a Lawyer?
In some situations, it is easy to determine whether you need the help of a lawyer. For example, if you have been charged with a crime, need a divorce, or have been sued, you know you need a lawyer’s help.
It is important to be aware that lawyers can be helpful for everyone, not just accused defendants or individuals in lawsuits. An attorney can provide important knowledge and advice for people who just need to speak with a professional.
The advice of a lawyer can help you gain an understanding of the complicated rules that govern so many aspects of life, such as:
A lawyer can improve your quality of life by providing security and protecting you from a situation that may bring financial hardship or emotional issues in the future. Lawyers can help people who are facing issues now and who want to avoid them in the future.
LegalMatch is a great place to start your search for a lawyer. You can find an attorney quickly, confidentially, and for free using LegalMatch.
It is possible that some things can be resolved on your own, such as contacting a company’s customer service department or a state-run agency that is in charge of an industry. There may also be community groups that can offer free advice on certain issues.
However, in most situations, the advice of a lawyer is well worth the money it costs. They can ensure you are containing the right parties to help you and that you do not do something that hurts your case.
If you have been charged with a crime or are named as a defendant in a lawsuit, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. If you have suffered an injury, it is also important to consult with a lawyer as soon as you can.
You may only need advice from a lawyer, which they will be happy to provide. That will give you peace of mind that you are taking the correct steps to resolve your issue.
A good rule of thumb is that it is better to contact a lawyer sooner rather than later, as they can provide guidance that can help you avoid unnecessary conflicts or issues.
What Should I Look for in a Lawyer?
There may be thousands of lawyers in any given area, making it very difficult to choose one to represent you. The process of finding a lawyer can be overwhelming.
LegalMatch makes it easy for you to find an attorney in your area who is ready to help you at no cost. Some basic things to look for in a lawyer include:
- Relevant experience in cases similar to yours
- Transparency regarding the fees they will be charging you
- Strong communication skills and frequent updates
- Professional responsibility
There are also other factors that can impact the lawyer that you choose, such as:
- Whether you require a general practitioner or a lawyer who mainly practices in one area, such as family law
- Whether the lawyer will be charging a flat fee or if they work on a contingency fee basis
- The state bar(s) the lawyer belongs to, as this is important if the legal issue involves multiple state laws)
- The attorney’s record of how they perform in court
- How long the attorney has been in practice
- Whether or not they have been disciplined for professional or ethical infractions
The type of lawyer you choose will mainly be determined by your legal situation and the issue that needs resolving. For example, if you have been charged with a crime, you will need a criminal lawyer.
It is also important to remember that you will need to find a lawyer with whom you are comfortable working and whose services fit in your budget. Some lawyers will offer free consultations, allowing you to meet with several choices before choosing one.
Legal cases may involve sharing personal information with your lawyer, so it is important that you are comfortable sharing and working with them. It is also important to remember that having a consultation with a lawyer does not mean you have to hire that particular person if they do not fit your needs.
What Do I Need to Keep in Mind When Searching for a Lawyer?
There are also many other things to keep in mind when searching for a lawyer in addition to those noted above. It is important to avoid choosing an attorney who:
- Lacks relevant experience
- Charges hidden fees
- Has poor communication
Other things to avoid when looking for an attorney include:
- Violations: Refrain from choosing a lawyer who is on probation or has been suspended for a breach of professional duty or ethics.
- Potential Conflicts of Interest: Lawyers are prohibited by professional responsibility statutes from handling issues in which they have a conflict of interest with their client.
- Personal Involvement: Most state statutes forbid lawyers from becoming personally involved in the affairs of their clients while representing them.
It can be helpful to find a lawyer who shares your perspectives and outlook. This may include hiring a lawyer who shares the same religion as you, as they will be familiar with the requirements.
It may also be helpful to find a lawyer who explains complex legal issues and theories in a way that is easy for you to understand. This will help you feel more comfortable with how your case is proceeding.
It is also very important to keep your budget in mind when choosing a lawyer, as you do not want to create an additional stress by hiring a lawyer you absolutely cannot afford. All lawyers have to graduate from a law school and be licensed by the state bar in their state.
This means it may not be necessary for you to hire the most experienced, largest law firm in your area to resolve your issue. Ultimately, choosing a lawyer is a personal decision that only you can make.
Family and friends can provide advice and recommendations, but they will not be the ones working with the attorney on a day-to-day basis. This means it is important for you to choose someone who works best for you, even if that is different from the recommendations you have received.
Find a Lawyer on LegalMatch Today
In conclusion, while traditional methods like the Yellow Pages or bar referral services still exist, modern platforms like LegalMatch offer a superior method of finding a lawyer. Our platform provides comprehensive information, efficient processes, and reliable matches, making the task of finding the right lawyer a lot more manageable and less time-consuming.
Use LegalMatch to find a lawyer for your case today.
