How do I find a good lawyer in the US?

Asked by: Murray Towne  |  Last update: November 12, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (30 votes)

You can also find an attorney by consulting a local telephone directory, or your state's bar association website. State bar websites generally have resources for members of the public looking for an attorney. Be aware that each legal case is different and not all lawyers may be suited for your specific legal problem.

How can you tell if a lawyer is good or not?

A good attorney should be honest and open. They must provide an exact cost breakdown and shouldn't make untrue promises or make promises. Also, don't undervalue the power of recommendations. You can ask your family and friends or even colleagues for recommendations.

How much does a good lawyer cost in USA?

Average lawyer hourly rates around the country range from $392 to $162.

Which lawyer wins most cases?

Settings. Gerry Spence is widely considered one of the most successful trial and criminal attorneys in America. He has never once lost a criminal case — either as a prosecutor or a defense attorney — and he hasn't lost a civil case since 1969.

How much does it cost to hire a good lawyer?

Every lawyer in Southern California charges different rates for their services, depending on their experience and the complexity of the cases they handle. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for these services, depending on the lawyer you choose.

How to Find a Good Lawyer (If I needed a lawyer, THIS is how I'd start)

16 related questions found

What is a reasonable attorney fee?

COURT AWARDED ATTORNEY'S FEES - WHAT IS 'REASONABLE'?

THE DISCRETION OF THE COURTS IN DETERMINING THE PROPER AMOUNT OF A FEE AWARD IS FOUND NOT TO BE UNLIMITED IN EITHER CONTEXT. IN BOTH CONTEXTS, A REASONABLE FEE IS ONE THAT AWARDS THE ATTORNEY THE MARKET VALUE OF THE TIME AND EFFORT JUSTIFIABLY EXPENDED.

How long does it take for a lawyer to review a case?

In some cases, your lawyer may have a good reason why it took 4-6 weeks to evaluate your case and give you a decision whether he will accept it. If your lawyer takes more than 6 weeks to evaluate your case, you need to find out why. Begin by asking for a meeting or phone conference with your lawyer.

What are the hardest cases to win?

A: Crimes against minors, white collar crimes, and first-degree murder are sometimes the hardest cases to defend.

Which lawyers get sued the most?

Areas of Practice With the Highest Frequency
  1. Personal Injury and Property Damage – Plaintiff. ...
  2. Collections and Bankruptcy. ...
  3. Real Estate. ...
  4. Estate, Trust and Probate. ...
  5. Family Law. ...
  6. Business Transaction / Commercial Law.

How to check an attorney's success rate?

To find out about a prospective lawyer's case success rate, check their website for past results, including settlements. Searching the lawyer's results on a bar association website will show past results, background and any disciplinary action against that particular lawyer.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer in the USA?

The upfront cost of hiring an attorney averages around $260 per hour—a figure that can scare many away. Learn the different fee structures law firms use and identify the key factors driving a lawyer's cost.

What is a normal retainer fee for a lawyer?

Retainer fees for attorneys work as an advance fee. Lawyers hold the fee in a dedicated account and deduct it after they complete the work. Clients can either make an online payment for the fee or they can opt for a traditional payment method. The average lawyer retainer fee can be around $2,000.

What is the most expensive type of lawyer?

Highest-Paid Types of Lawyers
  • Patent attorney: $180,000.
  • Intellectual property (IP) attorney: $162,000.
  • Trial lawyer: $134,000.
  • Tax attorney: $122,000.
  • Corporate lawyer: $115,000.
  • Medical lawyer: $113,000.
  • Real estate lawyer: $98,000.
  • Family lawyer: $93,000.

What should you not tell a lawyer?

Eight Things You Shouldn't Say to Your Lawyer
  • Do Not Say Anything to Your Attorney That Is Not True. ...
  • Do Not Exaggerate Your Injuries When Talking to Your Lawyer. ...
  • Do Not Tell Your Lawyer to Act On Your Behalf and Take Other Action Without Their Awareness.

How to tell if a lawyer is legit?

You Can Verify Their Credentials

Any reputable attorney will be easy to verify. You can check their state bar associations to determine if they are legally permitted to practice law in their state. The American Bar Association provides free directories for every state.

Which type of lawyer is best?

11 of the highest-paying lawyers
  • Civil litigation attorney. ...
  • Real estate attorney. ...
  • Intellectual property attorney. ...
  • Bankruptcy lawyer. ...
  • Family lawyer. ...
  • Tax attorney. ...
  • Corporate attorney. ...
  • Patent attorney.

What lawyers never go to court?

There are many types of lawyers that rarely (if ever) go into court, as the scope of their work does not require it. These may include estate planning lawyers, labor lawyers, personal injury lawyers, and bankruptcy lawyers.

What is the biggest complaint with lawyers?

Most clients' primary complaint about law firms and lawyers is a lack of communication. They often feel uninformed about the progress of their case, leaving them in the dark.

What are the four D's of malpractice?

The four Ds of medical malpractice are duty, dereliction (negligence or deviation from the standard of care), damages, and direct cause. Each of these four elements must be proved to have been present, based on a preponderance of the evidence, for malpractice to be found.

What is the hardest thing to prove in court?

Of those four components, causation is often the hardest element to prove in court.

Who has never lost a case?

Gerry Spence is a law man from Wyoming who has never lost a case.

How do you know if a case is being built against you?

If if the state you refer to is in the US, you could try calling the local public defender's office for the county where the charges would likely be filed and see if they could run your name and find out if there's a case and/or a warrant out on you.

How much does attorney review cost?

Hiring a contract lawyer doesn't come cheap. The average attorney contract review cost per hour in the U.S. ranges anywhere from $125 to over $500. Costs can depend largely on the lawyer's experience, specialization, and location.

How do you know if you have a strong case?

In a good case, there will be liability. Liability means that somebody was responsible for something. For a case to be solid and in your favor, the other party would have to be responsible for your injuries or in other words, at fault.

How do you know if a lawyer will take your case?

Factors Lawyers Consider Before Taking a Case

Legal Merit: A lawyer will first assess the legal merit of your case. This involves evaluating the evidence and determining if the law supports your claims in the lawsuit. A case with strong legal foundations stands a better chance of being accepted.