These lawyers can be excellent referral sources. Family members or friends. Word of mouth from family or friends is a common source of information. Martindale-Hubbell directories identify lawyers according where they work and the type of law they practice. The directories even rate lawyers for competency.
Some defendants visit their local courthouse and sit through a few criminal hearings.
When a particular lawyer impresses them, they ask for her card after the hearing is over, and then call for an appointment. Public Defenders' Offices. Sometimes a public defender's office will provide referrals. This can be an especially useful source of information if you have reason to trust the public defender's office in question. The complexity of a case.