Some legal needs can be fulfilled without a lawyer. The Florida Bar runs a hot line for callers with recorded advice on legal matters. For minor legal problems, small claims court and mediation also are alternatives to using a lawyer. But you also have to think about who you need to make you feel comfortable in terms of gender and age. In divorce there might be personal issues that you have to sit in an office and talk to your lawyer about.
Businesses often have some of the same problems choosing the right law firm.
Consult referral and information services for names and background information. Martindale-Hubbell, a comprehensive legal directory, launched an online service for consumers in August. Libraries and bookstores carry directories of leading lawyers listed by specialty and by state. Others, such as Leading Lawyers in Florida, include those approved who were willing to pay a membership fee. The recommended lawyer charges a nominal sum for an initial consultation.