The best way to find an attorney is to ask for referrals from people who have used an attorney with the expertise you need. Ask family, friends or professionals who might work with attorneys, such as accountants, financial advisers, social workers and other lawyers. Also consider asking non-profit or trade groups that might have experience in the area of law you need.

There are many lawyer-referral services available on the Web, but their quality varies. Large ones include www.lawyers.com and www.martindale.com.

Many state bar associations license referral services that agree to follow certain rules. To find them, check with your state bar association. Some local bar associations provide referral services themselves or can point you to ones in your community.

To find state and local bar associations, see www.abanet.org/barserv/stlobar.html. Also check your state bar association to make sure that the attorney you hire is licensed and has had no disciplinary actions.

For more tips on finding a hiring a lawyer, see http://www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10581&id=2165.

For more legal resources in your state, go to http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/findlegalhelp/home.cfm