When choosing the ideal lawyer to represent you, it is crucial that you consider their credentials and reputation. Reviews from previous clients, public records, and state bar profiles will all aid in helping make an informed decision.
Follow the links below to quickly check a lawyer’s license status, identify their law schools attended and when they graduated as well as any public rebukes they have faced.
State Bar
Most states are home to a state bar, a government-sanctioned body charged with overseeing and licensing attorneys. Many states also feature voluntary bar associations dedicated to furthering legal profession and engaging with the public to build confidence and ensure accountability of attorneys.
State bar directories offer the public an effective means of verifying whether an attorney holds a valid license, as well as additional details about their background, education and area of practice. Many state bar directories even feature lawyer referral services which assist members of the public with finding legal help for their legal matters.
The New York State Bar provides users with access to its database that enables searches by name and location as well as viewing an attorney’s disciplinary record. Furthermore, its services include fee arbitration/dispute resolution services as well as attorney assistance programs and law-related educational services – membership is mandatory in New York.
State Disciplinary Boards
FindLaw provides direct links to the attorney disciplinary bodies in each state – which could either be part of your bar association or separate government departments – depending on where you live. Our site links directly to them all!
Many disciplinary websites provide advanced searches. They will show if an attorney is licensed and in good standing, as well as any past disciplinary actions taken against them. They may also list public reprimands or any suspension, disbarment, or resignation proceedings taken against them from practicing law.
If an attorney has been disciplined or charged with criminal acts, their official disciplinary record in your state court should detail this information. Conviction records can also be provided. For instance, The New York Bar Association published a report which details rules and procedures of attorney disciplinary proceedings across each of New York State Supreme Court Appellate Departments as well as federal district courts.
Online Reviews
Online reviews from previous clients can provide invaluable information about an attorney’s reputation, responsiveness, knowledge, and ability to communicate effectively with his or her clientele. Attorneys frequently publish such testimonials on their respective websites.
Most state bar associations offer searchable databases where you can enter an attorney’s name to gain access to his or her record and current status, such as licensing status or malpractice claims against them. There are also directory services where you can search by specialty, location or language skills.
References
Hiring new attorneys is an investment for law firms, and hiring managers want to be sure they’re making the appropriate choice. That’s why legal hiring managers carefully consider candidates’ professional references; having solid references lined up is integral for job seekers’ success but can sometimes feel intimidating.
Attorney directories can be an effective way to find an attorney suited to your specific needs. Most directory sites offer search features that enable users to filter results based on practice area, location, education level and certification status – amongst other criteria.
Harrison emphasizes the importance of listing attorneys on one’s resume; any failure to do so indicates a weak one. But you should only list them when necessary (typically when asked by law firms for references) and as necessary; typically waiting until asked by them or until requested by them directly. Before listing an attorney as a reference, ensure he or she isn’t on any disbarred or suspended lists – such records can be difficult to erase; an internet search should reveal any news stories or publications featuring him/her.