How do I choose the best attorney?

• Start with trusted referrals whenever possible.

• Don't just read reviews—talk to past clients.

• Trust your instincts after meeting an attorney.

• Look for signs that other professionals trust them.

• Treat attorney awards with healthy skepticism.

• A good website should educate, not just advertise.

Unless you are a lawyer, it can be hard to gauge whether an attorney is truly skilled. As an attorney, I face a similar challenge when choosing a doctor for my family. What do I know about what makes a good doctor? What I do know, however, is whose opinion I can trust. You know who among your peers or friends you respect and who you can turn to when it comes to important advice. A referral from a friend or another reliable source is still one of the best starting points.

If you do not have a referral, consider contacting a client who left an attorney a review—an approach many people overlook. Most attorneys seem to have generally positive reviews, with perhaps one or two negative ones. Think carefully about how much weight to give those negative reviews, and consider looking at the reviewers’ profiles and what they have said about other businesses. You may also want to speak with clients who left positive reviews to see whether they had similar concerns or circumstances as you.

If the attorney offers a consultation, another useful way to decide whether they are right for you is to meet with them and trust your instincts. Did you feel a personal connection? Did you feel like you can trust them? You make these kinds of assessments every day whenever you decide whether to believe someone or whether to rely on his or her advice. Trust your gut.

In terms of gauging expertise, one thing to look at is whether the attorney is quoted in the media, whether they hold leadership positions in any legal or community-based organization and whether they have given public talks or lectures. If so, this signals that other people trust them.

Be wary of awards and recognition. A lot of the awards out there are “pay to play” where a so-called credentialing body invites an attorney to pay a fee in order to be recognized. I myself will never pay for any sort of award or recognition, and the only ones that I do post require a form of peer review or a peer nomination process. You should be somewhat careful and do your research on an attorney’s awards or recognitions if this is something that you are putting a lot of weight on.

Finally, spend a few minutes exploring the attorney's website. Thanks to modern design software, creating a polished, professional website is easier than ever. A site that is cluttered with gimmicks, annoying pop-up windows, or an outdated design may suggest a lack of attention to detail. More importantly, focus on what the website is trying to accomplish. Every attorney's website—including mine—is meant to attract clients. That's perfectly appropriate. But the best websites also educate. They offer thoughtful, practical information and an honest assessment of legal issues rather than simply insisting that you hire an attorney. By the time you've reached a law firm's website, you already know you may need legal help; the website should add value beyond that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right attorney?

Start with a referral from someone you trust. If you don't have one, do some research, meet with the attorney, and trust your instincts.

Are referrals really that important?

Yes. A recommendation from someone whose judgment you trust is often the best place to start.

How much should I rely on online reviews?

Don't just read the reviews—look at who's writing them and check out that person's past reviews. If possible, talk to past clients, especially those with situations similar to yours.

Should I meet with the attorney before hiring them?

Absolutely. A consultation can tell you a lot. Ask yourself whether you felt comfortable and whether you trusted the attorney.

How can I tell if an attorney is respected?

Look for signs that others respect them, like media interviews, leadership roles, or speaking at legal or community events.

Do attorney awards mean much?

Sometimes. Some awards are earned, while others can be purchased. It's worth looking into how the award was given.

What should I look for on an attorney's website?

Look for a clean, professional site that gives you useful information—not just a sales pitch.

Should I trust my gut?

Yes. If something feels off—or feels right—that's worth paying attention to.