But friends and business associates who have some knowledge of your business needs, your personal preferences and the legal profession can also get you started. If you don't know anyone who can recommend a lawyer, call your state bar or your local bar association. Although many bar associations do not recommend particular lawyers, they usually can advise you of a local referral service for lawyers. More importantly, once you have the name of a particular lawyer, the state bar can tell you if that lawyer is in fact licensed to practice law and in good standing in your state. If you use a referral service, make sure you understand how it supports itself.
Some referral services are nonprofit organizations sponsored by the local bar association.
Other referral groups advertise the services of lawyers who pay to be listed. This doesn't mean you can't get a great lawyer through a paid service. It just means you should be aware that the referral service has an economic interest in promoting the lawyers who pay to be listed. Using the Yellow Pages is a common method of finding a lawyer. The Yellow Pages are not discriminating, but they are accessible and not intimidating.