- 1). Ask family and friends if they know any civil lawyers. A personal referral is still the best form of advertising, and if someone you trust had a good experience with a particular attorney, chances are that you will too.
- 2). Do your research. Find out if your state has "certified trial attorneys." To be certified, attorneys have to demonstrate that they are competent at litigation and to pass a written exam.
- 3). Check the websites for civil attorneys. Like virtually all professionals, most civil attorneys have a website that outlines their qualifications and areas of expertise. Bookmark the sites you want to return to for further study.
- 4). Narrow your search to three civil attorneys. Return to your bookmarks and select the three most likely candidates. Jot down their names and telephone numbers.
- 5). Draw up two or three quick questions you can ask an attorney to assess her competence and her manner. You don't need a long drawn-out interview to figure out is someone is competent in family law.
- 6). Phone and make an inquiry. Ask the three people on your list the same questions and listen carefully to their responses.
- 7). Ask if they charge for an initial consultation. Some attorneys are concerned with "billable minutes," while others are willing to meet with a potential client for five or 10 minutes to discuss the case.
- 8). Pick the person you thought was the most suitable. Even a short telephone conversation will give you an initial reaction as to whether or not you will get on with the person.
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