In order to become a member of the academy, a lawyer needs to have devoted 75 percent or more of his or her practice to family law for a period of at least ten years. Written or oral examinations are required along with recommendations from judges and other lawyers. Membership in the academy does not automatically guarantee that the lawyer is good, but it does mean the lawyer has substantial experience in family law. The academy also has chapters in many states. State, county, and city bar associations also usually will make referrals to lawyers.
Bar associations vary in the degree to which they screen lawyers to whom they make referrals.
Some bar associations will make referrals to lawyers who declare themselves available to practice in a particular field. Other bar associations may require lawyers to submit proof that the lawyer has experience in the area. When calling a bar association's general telephone number, ask for the association's lawyer referral service. If the person looking for a lawyer is low on funds, a possible source of help is a law school's legal clinic. Legal clinics sometimes will take family law cases at no charge or a low charge to the client.