We all hope it doesn't happen, but at one time or another in our lives, we may find ourselves in need of legal assistance. It may be for business needs or for personal reasons. It can be difficult to find an attorney with the experience you need. The field has become quite specialized, and a tax attorney will probably not be able to help with a divorce. An attorney licensed to practice in Maryland may not be able to help with legal problems in Virginia.

Whatever the legal problem, it is important to find an attorney with whom you can feel comfortable. You will be discussing business or personal issues in some detail. Particularly with business issues, you may be starting a professional relationship that will last through a career. Spending a little time in advance to explore your options may save time and money in the long run.

The first step may be simply to determine if you actually need an attorney. If you are encountering business problems, organizations such as SCORE or the Women's Business Center may be the best place to start.

Before you consult an attorney, it may be helpful to do a little preliminary research. It may help both you and the attorney to zero in on exactly what the problem is. Websites such as Nolo Press explain complex legal issues in lay terms.

Word of mouth is a useful tool in finding an attorney: talk to friends and family who have been in similar situations. They may be able to provide a referral or some assistance in finding an attorney in the specialty you need. If you know an attorney, even one specializing in a wholly unrelated area, he or she may be able to pass on the name of a colleague with the expertise you need. Using professional affiliations may also help you find a lawyer. Posting a request to a mailing list, such as DCWW, may help you find an attorney that individuals in similar circumstances have found useful.

Many bar associations operate referral services. You will be able to sit down with an attorney for anywhere from a half-hour to a full hour to explain the issues for a small fee. The attorney may be able to resolve the issues during the conversation. If additional consultation is needed, you may proceed with that attorney or use another one. Many bar associations have separate sections for particular legal specialties. You may ask if there is a directory for that section, to be sure you are getting an attorney with the experience you need.

If you are an individual with a low income, you may be eligible for legal aid programs. If you are a member of a union, the union may be able to help you find a lawyer. Specialty organizations, such as legal trade associations, may be able to help you find a lawyer in their area of expertise. For example, those needing immigration law assistance may contact ILW's Immigration Portal. The American Trial Lawyers Association offers assistance in locating attorneys by geographic location. The American Bar Association offers a list of referral services.

It is important to remember that state laws can vary widely on particular issues. You should be careful to select an attorney who is knowledgeable in the law of your state.

District of Columbia

• The Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia maintains a solo and small practice referral list.
• The Bar Association of the District of Columbia offers an extensive Directory of Legal Service Providers for the Public.

Maryland

• The Maryland State Bar Association maintains a list of the various counties that provide lawyer referral services.
• The Bar Association of Montgomery County offers a referral to an attorney for 40 minutes for $40; call 301-279-9100.
• The Prince George's County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service has an extensive database of lawyers practicing in Prince George's County; call 301-952-1440 or 1-866-757-7785.
• A Maryland law firm offers a Legal Advice Line at 1-888-367-5252; cost is $34.95.

Virginia

• The Arlington Bar Association offers a referral service; call 703-288-3390.
• The Alexandria Bar Association offers 30 minutes of consultation for $30.00; call 703-548-1105.
• The Fairfax Bar Association offers 30 minutes of consultation for $40.00; call 703-246-3780.
• The Virginia State Bar Association's referral service is available; call 1-800-662-7977.

Small Business Resources

• SBA Washington District Office; call (202) 606-4000
• George Washington University Small Business Legal Clinic (SBDC); call (202) 994-7463
• University of the District of Columbia Small Business Law Center; call (202) 274-7363
• SCORE Chapter 1, Washington, DC, call (202) 606-4000, Ext. 287