Law Offices of Daniel E. Hanley

Law Offices of Daniel E. Hanley
Estate Planning - Probate - Elder Law - Real Estate
Over 30 years of legal experience

1091 Lincoln Ave
San Jose, CA 95125
Telephone: (408) 293-0344
Facsimile: (408) 977-1552
dan@hanleylaw.com



San Jose Estate Planning Lawyer and Elder Law Attorney
At the San Jose, California, Law Office of Daniel E. Hanley, we are in the business of solving problems and helping people make smart decisions regarding the future.

We are a small firm representing individuals and small businesses throughout Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, and Alameda County. We are small by choice, which gives us the ability to provide our clients with the kind of responsive, individualized representation that you don't often find at large firms.

Our practice is built on helping you achieve your goals; we always keep your best interests at heart. We will help you solve your matter with a sensible approach based on learning as much as we can about your situation and your goals.

San Jose estate planning lawyer and real estate attorney Daniel E. Hanley has more than thirty years of legal experience and offers a friendly, courteous approach that makes working with an attorney a comfortable, stress-free experience.

Contact our San Jose estate planning lawyer and real estate attorney today for an initial consultation regarding your legal needs. Together, we will make a plan that works for you.

The services we offer emphasize the following areas:

Estate planning including living trusts and wills
Probate Court Representation
Elder Law - elder law including planning and qualification for California Medi-Cal
Real estate transactions, §1031 (Like-Kind) exchanges and litigation
Short-Term Real Estate Loan Transactions (Trust Deed Investments)
Small Business representation and formation - purchase and sale of businesses, C Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Partnerships
We give our clients honest service, and honest, straightforward answers to their questions. We carefully explain our fees and billing practices, and make sure they are well understood. In addition, we are willing, whenever possible, to make special arrangements for the payment of fees.

In appropriate situations, we can offer a flat "project fee" for all of our services on a particular matter.

We look forward to helping you. Contact our San Jose estate planning lawyer today for a consultation to learn how we can help you.

Located in San Jose, California, estate planning and real estate attorney Daniel E. Hanley serves Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, and Alameda County, including the cities of Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Fremont, Morgan Hill, and Gilroy.

Manassau Law Offices

Estate Planning Lawyer, Family Law, Business Law
At the Manassau Law Offices, we understand our clients' needs and assist them with estate planning, divorce, domestic violence, and business law. Our singular focus is on meeting each client's unique goals and needs. For more information, and a free initial consultation, call us today or contact us online. Ofrecemos los servicios legales para el español que habla la comunidad. Se habla español: 408.295.9119.

We Treat Our Clients Like Family
Call: 408.918.0010; Español: 408.295.9119

San Jose, California, attorney Elizabeth Manassau is known for her ability to listen, empathize, and help our clients attain their legal goals. She uses her communications skills to educate clients on how the law affects them, walking them calmly and confidently through the legal process, no matter how complex.

With a talent for negotiation, Elizabeth Manassau can help you reach a resolution that addresses your legal concerns whether you are planning an estate, launching a new business, or facing a divorce.

We offer free initial consultations and caring legal representation.

Having a legal problem can be an intimidating experience; consulting an attorney shouldn't be. Everyone in our office is friendly and approachable. We recognize that your legal problem may be the most important concern in your life. We make it our priority, too.

You can rely on attorney Elizabeth Manassau for effective legal representation with a personal touch. For a free consultation about your legal concern, please don't hesitate to contact our office today.

Manassau Law Offices
255 N. Market St., Suite 130
San Jose, California 95110

Ira Bierman

New York/Long Island Matrimonial, Commercial, and Real Estate Trial Attorneys

The versatile and experienced New York/Long Island litigation firm of the Law Offices of Ira Bierman have served clients in New York City and Long Island, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn for over thirty years. In addition to providing a wide range of litigation services, the Law Offices of Ira Bierman concentrate in the areas of matrimonial and family law, custody and visitation, business commercial and corporate law, and real estate transactions. For specific information about resolving your legal issues, contact the Law Offices of Ira Bierman.

A few examples of the Law Office’s practice:

a. Matrimonial and family law
b. Custody and Visitation
c. Equitable distribution of marital property
d. Enforcement and modification of child support and maintenance
e. Establishing the value of professional practices in a complex divorce
f. Business entity, corporate and limited liability company formation
g. Representation of clients in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate
h. All aspects of business, commercial, and corporate law

At the center of the practice area of the Law Offices of Ira Bierman is our concern for our clients. To make sure that you are fully informed about your legal problems and your alternatives, the Law Offices of Ira Bierman does take whatever measures are necessary to make sure that your experience is assucessful as possible. Appointments are available days, evenings or on weekends.

As experienced trial lawyers, the lawyers of the Law Offices of Ira Bierman can provide skilled and resourceful courtroom representation when your business or personal problems make litigation unavoidable. At the same time, we will do everything possible to save you time, money, and stress by working to find ways to achieve your objectives without resorting to litigation. However, if litigation is necessary you can count on the Law Offices of Ira Bierman to obtain the results you need.

The New York/Long Island firm of the Law offices of Ira Bierman has the goal of to protecting the interests of our clients, and to ensure that you have confidence in our services. To find out how our offices can help you with your specific problem, contact our New York/Long Island offices.

Law Offices of Ira Bierman
485 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 103
Syosset, NY 11791
Telephone: (516) 677-0444
Fax: (516) 677-1911


The Law Offices of Ira Bierman, a New York/Long Island civil litigation firm represents persons interested in buying and selling real estate, clients involved in all types of commercial and residential real estate matters including landlord tenant proceedings, residential and commercial real property litigation; matrimonial law clients in divorce, custoday, visitation and child support matters; and businesses on a wide range of corporate, partnership, or commercial issues. The New York/Long Island firm of the Law Offices of Iran Bierman serves clients in New York City, Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.

Greenblatt & Agulnick, P.C.

Great Neck, New York, Real Estate Lawyer
At Greenblatt & Agulnick, we believe that your attorney's only goal should be resolving your legal matters efficiently, effectively and in your best interests. Our full service law firm provides a complete range of services, with a primary focus in the areas of real estate law, property damage and insurance claims litigation. From your initial free consultation through the final disposition of your case, you will find our lawyers and staff to be responsive to your concerns and totally committed to providing cost-effective legal advice and representation. Our clients include individuals with very specific insurance claims disputes, all the way to large privately-owned corporations needing sound legal advice about complex commercial real estate matters. We base our advice and counseling upon the extensive education, training, and experience of our attorneys.

Major credit cards accepted and payment plans are available
Call anytime. We are available whenever and wherever you need us
Free initial consultation about your real estate law or insurance law matter
Contact our offices in Great Neck, New York, to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced lawyers today.

We are ready to help you with a full range of legal services including:
Real estate law: From condo home closings and conversions to complex lease contracts and litigation for landlords or tenants, our real estate lawyers provide experienced legal services you can rely on. From apartments to multi-million dollar homes, we are equipped to handle all types of real estate transactions.

Insurance litigation: Individuals facing claims denials for property insurance claims, or all other matters relating to bad-faith insurance disputes and litigation can count on our aggressive, effective representation.

Business transactions and civil litigation: From establishing corporate entities to employment law, contracts and business dispute litigation, our attorneys are ready to be your full-service business transaction legal team.

To learn more about our experience, please read about our recent cases.

Contact our offices today to schedule an opportunity to meet with one of our attorneys.

FIRM INFORMATION
1 Barstow Road, Suite P20
Great Neck, New York 11021
(718) 352-4800
(917) 251-6651
(24 Hour Urgent Matters)

The Law Office of Michael J.Croston

The Law Office of Michael J.Croston, Esq. provides quality legal services, with personalized attention to all clients. Focusing primarily in the area of real estate, the Law Office of Michael J. Croston represents both buyers and sellers in a wide variety of residential and commercial closings.

For answers to frequently asked questions about the closing process, please feel free to click on the FAQ page for buying or selling, or call Michael J. Croston at 631-474-0900 for a free consultation.

Michael J. Croston, Esq. has provided excellent legal assistance for the Suffolk and Nassau communities for 13 years, also serving clients in Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan.

Call today for a free consultation ~ (631) 474-0900

The Law Office of Michael J. Croston
18 Crescent Drive
Port Jefferson Station, New York 11776
(631) 474 ~0900

www.crostonlaw.com
This web site is designed for general information only. The information on this site should not be construed to be legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer-client relationship.

CHINTYA M. BURKE

Lawyer serving Long Island, New York, Nassau, Suffolk & Queens Counties, in the areas of real estate closings, bankruptcy, probate, estate planning and administration, uncontested divorce law, and general practice. Attorney Advertising.


Call Me on:
(516) 833-5135 (phone), (516) 292-3556 (fax)


Real Estate Transactions:
My goal is to give you excellent service at a reasonable fee.

Purchasing or selling a house, condominum or coooperative is a major event in one's life, and your attorney should treat it as such, whether you are a first-time home buyer, or a seasoned investor. With over twenty-five years experience in the legal aspects of real estate deals, and ten years practicing law, your purchase or sale will be handled with the intelligence and practicality necessary to get the deal done to your satisfaction. Each deal is handled personally and directly by me, and your phone conversations are with me.

Contracts will generally be prepared or reviewed by me the day the information is received. Since real estate contracts can be time sensitive, I accommodate my clients by meeting with them during evenings and weekends when necessary.

You will be guided throughout each phase of the process. Before my clients sign a contract, I advise them on all aspects. All buyer's closing costs are reviewed, to make sure the deal is structured in such a way that the buyer has enough money to close. I advise my clients not to sign any broker documents unless reviewed by me. A buyer should obtain an inspection before signing a formal contract.

Purchaser's title report is ordered directly from an underwriter or abstract company that have low fees for searches. Many title companies charge significantly more.

Your closing will be attended by me, and all issues will be determined and resolved to ensure a smooth closing.


Bankruptcy
Although the Bankruptcy laws changed in October of 2005, many people, based upon their salary and dependents, still qualify for a full Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This means that all dischargeable debts will be eliminated upon a discharge. If a person does not qualify for Chapter 7, then a Chapter 13 can be arranged, whereby all or a percentage of debts are paid over a three to five year period of time.
Bankruptcy is a complicated process that requires the advice of an experienced lawyer. I have ten years of experience, including filings under the new laws. If your debts are becoming overwhelming, and you are being harassed by debt collectors, give me a call to discuss your possible strategies.
Call (516) 833-5135 or (516) 652-7366 for a free telephone consultation


Law Offices of Cynthia M. Burke
Hempstead Executive Plaza
50 Clinton Street, Suite 503
Hempstead, NY 11550
(516) 833-5135
(fax) (516) 292-3556


Disclaimer: Nothing herein is intended to serve as legal advice, or to create an attorney-client relationship with any persons. You should consult an attorney with respect to your particular situation, especially since there may be a statute of limitations applicable to your case. Links are provided as a convenience, and are not to be construed as a recommendation or endorsement of any particular entity or company, and no guaranty is made as to the accuracyof the content of their site. Emails or replies thereto may not be privileged under the law and do not automatically create an attorney-client relationship. This constitutes attorney advertising.

NEW YORK REAL ESTATE LAWYER

A HOME PURCHASE IS ONES SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT PURCHASE
ANTHONY M. PARLATORE, ESQ,
(631) 941-4411


Nearly everyone at some time in life buys or sells a home. The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment a person will ever make, and therefore careful consideration should be given to the technical aspects involved. But one should not lose sight of the fact that it is also a very happy event, and something which should be enjoyed. By understanding the many different stages of the real estate transaction, the "mystery" often surrounding these transactions is dispelled, and this clearer understanding leads to a more relaxed and pleasant experience. As your attorneys, we will strive to answer any question you have about your transaction, and hope to work closely with you so that you will have an orderly, trouble-free transition into your new home, or from your old address to your new one. Don't ever hesitate to call us if you have any questions or if anything is not clear to you.

Title Insurance
One of the elements in every "arm's length" real estate transaction is the issuance of a title insurance policy. There are many "title companies" licensed by the state and each operates in much the same manner. Their function is to research the title to discover if there are any liens, claims of others, judgements, or any impediments. Once they can "guarantee" that title is clear, they can issue an insurance policy protecting the legal interest of the buyer.

The Contract…Once a buyer and a seller of real estate agree on the price and other terms, it's then that a written agreement specifying both parties' rights and obligations is prepared and signed. The attorney for the seller traditionally draws the contract but before doing so contacts the attorney for the buyer to discuss the various contract terms. If there is a real estate broker who brought about the sale, the broker is the person who actually negotiates all the non-legal aspects of the transaction. All the parties involved - the buyer, seller, real estate agent, and the attorneys, must communicate and cooperate to insure that the process progresses smoothly. Once the contracts are signed, the buyer then continues to arrange for the financing, and the seller does whatever is necessary to insure that the title will be conveyed according to the contract's terms. Termite inspections, title searches, appraisals, applications for certificates of occupancy, updates on surveys, mortgage payoff letters, and similar such items are obtained by the respective attorneys and parties. When the bank issues the mortgage commitment and all of the ancillary items are completed, it's then time to set the closing date.

The Closing…The "closing" is the transaction in which the seller receives the purchase price, and pays off all of his/her outstanding obligations on the property, and the buyer receives the deed conveying legal ownership of the property to him/her. The closing normally occurs at the office of the bank's attorney and is attended by all parties to the transaction, plus a representative of the Title Company. It is generally a happy, though hectic day and really is the highlight of the entire transaction.
In the vast majority of the cases the buyer and seller attempt to accommodate each others' needs concerning setting the closing date and arranging for the seller to vacate and for the buyer to move in. Unfortunately, the actual closing date cannot be set with certainty at the time of contract due to the mortgage financing uncertainties. It is therefor commonplace for the contract to provide an "on or about" closing date, which normally is within 30 days of the actual closing.
It is our desire to insure that your real estate transaction is a pleasant experience. By working together during the pendency of the matter and seeing that all your questions are answered, we can help to insure that you will not be "mystified" and that you will have a positive experience.
Visit our Real Estate Center to learn more

Anthony M. Parlatore, Esq, Attorney at Law
290 Main Street
Setauket, New York 11733
Telephone: (631) 941-4411
Facsimile: (631) 941-4408

Why Legal Representation Is So Costly

All lawyers do is talk, right? And don't they say talk is cheap? Not when there's a Juris Doctorate after the person's name.

Lawyers charge a lot because they usually have high overhead: an office, a receptionist, a secretary. Someone has to pay for it, and it won't be the lawyer. Lawyers have at least seven years of post-high school education (four years of college and three years of law school). For recent graduates, educational costs could be as high as $120,000 or more. The lawyer is recouping that investment.

Finally, lawyers charge what the traffic will bear. Put simply, moneyed clients are ready and willing to pay these high fees, and there are enough moneyed clients around to keep lawyers from having to worry about volume. As more attorneys enter the field, billing practices are beginning to change, and fees are coming down in some areas. But until that happens in more significant numbers, costs will remain high. Remember that you will need to pay your lawyer at the current market rate if you want her to work for you.

How Matrimonial Lawyers Charge

Many lawyers charge an hourly rate and bill you for every hour worked. If Paula Smith's rate is $150 an hour, and she does 10 hours of work for you, you'll get a bill for $1,500. It can be pretty straightforward. If you are hiring your lawyer à la carte, you'll pay as you go.

Most full-service lawyers, on the other hand, want some payment up front. This fee is called a retainer. The amount will vary depending on where you live, your specific case, and the lawyer's hourly rate. In the New York City area, some matrimonial attorneys charge as much as a $10,500 to $20,000 retainer. In other states, some lawyers charge at least $25,000. (That's not the bad news; this might only get you started! You'll probably spend much more than this if you have a protracted case.)

After you pay the retainer, your lawyer subtracts her hourly rate from what you've paid for each hour worked until the case is over or until she depletes your retainer, whichever happens first. If your lawyer has used up your retainer, you'll start getting bills. Some lawyers will want a new retainer; others might simply bill you on a weekly or monthly basis.

Wait a minute, you might think. Doesn't the hourly billing rate encourage the lawyer to drag out my case to earn more money? Although this might seem easy, within the profession it is considered unethical for a lawyer to deliberately drag out (“churn,” as lawyers say) a case. Another deterrent is that when a case drags on, lawyers can lose clients, or clients will not be able to afford to continue paying. It's possible that the lawyer won't collect everything he's owed. Whatever he doesn't get paid is written off and, in effect, reduces his hourly rate. On the other hand, if the lawyer finishes her work within the amount of time covered by the retainer, she gets her full hourly rate and comes out ahead.

Does that mean you don't have to pay your bill? No. However, it does mean if ethics don't stop a lawyer from dragging out a case, the practical realities of collection will.

In matrimonial law, it is very hard to predict how much time your lawyer will have to spend on your case. If you and your spouse have agreed on everything up front, the lawyer won't have to do much more than draft the legal documents, make sure you understand them, get them to the other lawyer, and then, eventually, submit them to the court. If you or your spouse are at war, a lot of time will be spent on your case, and you can end up spending an astronomical sum of money.

WHAT IS THE LAWYER JOB?

What is this job like?

People and companies hire lawyers to give them advice and to tell them what they can and can't do under the law. Sometimes, they hire lawyers to take their side in court against other people or companies, or against the government.

Lawyers spend a lot of time doing research. To be a good lawyer, a person must be good at finding facts in books, on computers, and in other places. Lawyers also interview people to get information.

After doing research, lawyers make arguments to show that the people they work for should win in court. Some lawyers speak in court. But many lawyers don't.

Lawyers also spend time writing. They write their arguments. Lawyers also write legal documents like contracts and wills. They need to be very specific.

Lawyers do most of their work in offices, law libraries, and courtrooms. They sometimes meet in clients' homes or businesses. Some lawyers meet clients in hospitals or prisons. Lawyers often work long hours, especially during a trial in court.

How do you get ready?

Lawyers need a license from the State in which they want to work. To get a license, people need to get a college degree and then go to law school for 3 years. Competition for admission to most law schools is intense. Finally, lawyers must pass a test called the bar examination.

Even after they start working, lawyers need to keep on learning about changes in the law. Most States make lawyers take classes from time to time.

To start getting ready for this job, students can take English classes to learn how to write, do research, and make presentations. Social studies classes teach about research and the law. People who want to be lawyers also need strong reading skills. They also need to be good at dealing with people.

How much does this job pay?

Lawyers are some of the highest paid workers.

Many lawyers work for themselves. But other lawyers work for governments and private organizations. They earn a salary. Median annual earnings of lawyers were $102,470 in 2006—this means that half earned more than this amount and half earned less.

Some lawyers earned much more.

How many jobs are there?

Lawyers held about 761,000 jobs in 2006. Most lawyers worked for themselves or in law firms-companies with other lawyers. Some lawyers worked for other businesses or for governments.

What about the future?

Employment of lawyers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. This is because more people will need legal help. But many people want to be lawyers, so there will be competition for good jobs. Most jobs will be in big cities.

How To Find An Attorney

Background

When the United States handed down its decision in Bates v. State Bar of Arizona which struck down state laws prohibiting lawyers from advertising as an unconstitutional interference with free speech, it was widely thought that it would then be easier to find an attorney. This belief was based on the premise that since lawyers were allowed to compete in the same way as other businesses do, it would be easier to meet one's needs for legal representation and that the costs would go down.

It is true that lawyer advertising has made it easier to find an attorney. However, there is still a problem in finding the right attorney for one's particular needs. If the selected lawyer is inexperienced, incompetent, or lacks the willingness or ability to communicate effectively with a client, the client will not be satisfied with the lawyer's service. Furthermore, the consequences for the client could be catastrophic, such as losing a business or being unable to recover for injuries the client sustained at the hands of a liable third party. In order to find the best attorney, one needs more than a list of names, even if these are specialists in the relevant legal area. Clients are best served by asking questions before they decide on an attorney to retain.

Consumer dissatisfaction with lawyers has become a major problem. A survey taken in 1995 by Consumer's Union revealed that out of 30,000 respondents, one–third were not well satisfied with the quality of their attorneys' services. The reasons for this dissatisfaction varied, ranging from attorneys failing to keep their clients informed on the progress of their cases, failing to protect clients' interests, failing to resolve cases in a timely manner, and continually charge unreasonable fees. The reason for this widespread dissatisfaction is linked to the lack of knowledge by consumers on how to find attorneys experienced with the kinds of problems they are facing as well as knowing what questions to ask a lawyer they are considering retaining. The results of a one thousand person survey reported in the Florida Bar Journal revealed that the average time spent in finding a lawyer was two hours or less. Nearly one half of those surveyed said it was hard to find a good lawyer, and over a quarter of them said they did not know how to find a lawyer. It is remarkable that 80 per cent of respondents said they wished there was a source for information on lawyers' credentials.

Why It Is Difficult to Find an Attorney?

One difficulty in finding the appropriate attorney is the ever expanding number of specialties practiced by lawyers. Specialization makes selection more complicated. Law has become more specialized because changes in technology have necessitated the development of new areas, such as Cyberlaw and Internet law. New areas of law have also been created by recently enacted laws and regulations from such federal administrative bodies as the Environmental Protection Agency. This could impact and complicate the problems of a person acquiring a business and trying to determine whether the seller or the buyer is liable for cleaning up a toxic waste site. The increasing number of laws and regulations have forced lawyers to become more specialized in order to keep up with new developments. Furthermore, many general areas of the law in which an attorney could become proficient, have now been split up into specialties. In business law, there are specialists for mergers and acquisitions because of the complexity involved in these transactions. Even criminal law is not immune to this trend since some lawyers now specialize in white collar crime.
When Do I Need A Lawyer?


Potential clients should retain a lawyer for any of the following reasons:

* If they have been charged with a felony
* If they have been served with papers naming them as defendants in a lawsuit
* If their insurance coverage is less than the amount a third party is claiming due to their negligence
* If they are making a will or changing it
* If they wish to adopt a child
* If someone with whom they are involved in a business setting breaches his or her contract with the client
* If they are resulting in substantial harm, or if the person suing them has a lawyer.

If a person is a DEFENDANT in a civil lawsuit and fails to appear in court, a DEFAULT JUDGMENT will be entered by the court against them, and for all practical purposes, they will be unable to overturn it.


Avoiding the Dishonest or Unethical Lawyers

This situation is easy to fall into because with the exception or Oregon, at least some part of the disciplinary process is kept private. This means that potential clients have no way of knowing whether a complaint has been made against a lawyer if no action has been taken. Although some complaints against lawyers are frivolous, the consumer has no way of knowing whether the decision by the state bar not to take any action was made in GOOD FAITH. Furthermore, the action taken may only amount to a private reprimand in the form of a letter sent to the attorney. According to a recent investigation by the Washington Times, lawyers guilty of serious ethical violations and felonies are at the most only suspended for a limited period of time and made to make RESTITUTION to the client. Even the most severe punishment, disbarment, is not permanent since in most states the attorney can apply for reinstatement in five years.

Not only are the actions taken against lawyers found guilty of ethical violations not published in many states, this information is unavailable even in publications and databases relied upon by consumers to avoid this problem. There are attorneys listed in the well–respected Martindale–Hubbell Lawyers Directory who may be under suspension, disbarred, or imprisoned. The database set up by the American BAR ASSOCIATION (ABA) to allow consumers to find out whether a lawyer has been sanctioned is a great deal less than helpful since no details are given as to the offense charged or the punishment given.

Out of all the complaints made against lawyers, only one half of one per cent result in disbarment, and a total of only one and one half percent result in any SANCTION at all including private reprimands.
Methods of Finding an Attorney
By Advertisement

In an advertisement, consumers cannot obtain the information you need in order to make a wise decision. There is nothing upon which to judge the legal skills of the attorney, whether his style would be conducive to achieving specific goals as to how to resolve specific problem, or whether there have been any complaints against the attorney resulting in a reprimand, suspension or disbarment. It also cannot determine from an advertisement whether the attorney will be accessible enough so that they can communicate effectively with their clients and willing to take the time necessary so that they understand the possible outcomes of handling the client's case in a given manner.

By Personal Referral

Friends and business acquaintances whose judgment is trusted is a good source in finding an attorney, if they have used the attorney for the same kind of problem that a consumer is facing or at least practices in a specialty pertaining to the consumer's situation. An even better source is a friend or acquaintance who actually is an active or recently retired lawyer or judge. Such persons can inform potential clients as to attorneys' reputation in the legal community.
By Published Directories
Martindale Hubbell Law Directory

This annually published directory is the oldest and best known of those available today. It includes lawyers practicing in the United States as well as 159 other countries. This coverage of foreign countries will continue to become more important as laws in the United States are affected by foreign and international law.

Each individual lawyer entry will contain the date of birth, the year first admitted to a state bar, numeric codes indicating where all listed educational degrees were earned Specialized areas of law in which they practice, and a listing of representative clients, the firm where the lawyer practices, and contact information. If the entry has the bar registry designation (BR), it means that they are also listed in the Martindale Hubbell Directory for Pre–Eminent Lawyers.

Despite its enormous size, not all practicing attorneys are listed. In order for an attorney or firm to be included in this directory, they must send the appropriate information to the publisher.

Many, but not all of the attorneys and firms listed, are rated according to their degree of legal skill and whether they follow the highest ethical standards. The rating "AV" is the highest rating given. A "BV" rating is still above average in terms of legal skills and an indication the attorney subscribes to the same high ethical standards as those given the "AV" rating. The "CV" rating denotes an average rating in terms of legal skills and an indication the lawyer also follows the highest ethical standards. No attorney is given a rating without their consent. The ratings are based on confidential written evaluations by practitioners and judges in the position to know the given lawyer. There is no rating to indicate that a lawyer is below average in legal ability or that he does not follow the highest ethical standards.

Martindale Hubbell Bar Register of Pre– Eminent Lawyers

Listings are restricted to those individual attorneys and firms that have earned the "AV" rating and who practice in the United States and Canada. Instead of being grouped by state and within each state by the locality in which the lawyer practices, the lawyers are first grouped according to the specialty in which they practice. Sixty specialties are included.

The primary value of these directories in your search for an attorney is that they tell you how long that lawyer has been in practice, whether he specializes in an area relevant to the problem you are facing, and whether there may be a CONFLICT OF INTEREST if you retain that attorney based on the clients they represent.
The Best Lawyers in America 1999–2000

Now in its eighth edition, the information is based on the polling of 11,000 lawyers who were asked which attorneys in practice for a minimum of ten years they consider to be the best in their specialty. In the 1995–1996 edition only one and one half percent of all lawyers practicing in the United States were listed.
Lawyer's Register International by Specialties and Fields of Law. 16th ed. 1999

This directory gives a worldwide listing of attorneys who represent themselves as being certified or designated as practicing in one or more of 390 legal specialties. The designation as a specialist is given for one of three reasons. First, the attorney has successfully completed a certification program given for that specialty in the state in which they practice. Second, the state in which the lawyer practices has designated them on a defacto basis that they have sufficient experience to be qualified in a given specialty. Third, they have been certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. There is a separate designation given for each of these three reasons why a lawyer is designated as certified in a given specialty.

The directory is arranged alphabetically by specialty, and within each specialty alphabetically by where they practice. In order to assist the consumer, a separate table lists all states that have established certification programs in particular specialties. By using this table, you are able to more easily select attorneys that have been certified by a state program in a given specialty.
Chambers Global The World's Leading Lawyers

Published in London, England, by Chambers and Partners, this source is designed for those trying to find an attorney practicing in one of over sixty specialized areas of business and CORPORATE law.

Evaluations are from leading practitioners in each specialty obtained through telephone interviews averaging thirty minutes. During these interviews, the person interviewed is asked who they consider to be the best attorney in their specialty and why they hold such a high opinion of them. This procedure, unlike the written questionnaires upon which other lawyer directories rely, allows for a more thorough investigation of the legal abilities of a given attorney. This is because a interview by telephone avoids the BIAS

that is inherent in written questionnaires since the ones returned in such surveys are much more likely to be favorable. Conversely, attorneys who do not respect the abilities of another practitioner are less likely to send in their written responses.
By the Internet

* America Online (AOL) Anywhere Lawyer Directory URL: http://aol.lawyers.com – Besides acting as an online aid to finding an attorney, this site also contains a link to answer questions that need to be asked by those seeking legal representation.
* Martindale Hubbell Lawyer Locator URL: www.martindale.com – This is the most frequently used lawyer directory on the internet.
* Lawyers.com URL: www.lawyers.com – This site also belongs to Martindale–Hubbell, but it differs from the preceding web site because it targets individuals and small business people. This site allows searches to be narrowed to those attorneys practicing a particular specialty in a given locality. It also has links to help a consumer determine whether they need a lawyer, how attorneys bill their clients and how much they charge as well as a list of questions to ask an attorney before you decide to retain them.
* Chambers and Partners URL: http://www.chambersandpartners.com – This organization's home page has links that enable you to find evaluations of lawyers and law firms as to their legal skill in various areas of business and corporate law.

By Lawyer Referral Services of State Bar Associations

These sources are useful only to the extent they can give consumers the names of lawyers in a given locality who practice law in a given specialty and who have agreed to have their name put on the list maintained by the Bar Association. For a small fee, usually $25 – $30, each attorney on the list agrees to give a fifteen to thirty minute consultation. This can be helpful because consumers can get an opinion from a lawyer as to whether they have a case and whether it is worth pursuing. This can save consumers a great deal of time and effort as opposed to attempting to research the matter on their own. During the consultation, the lawyer should be able to inform the potential client whether the STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS for filing their particular claim has expired or not. Although consumers could do research on their own, just reading the STATUTE may be insufficient to determine whether the statute of limitations has run out; they may have to read the CASE LAW on this matter. Regardless of what the attorney tells the consumer regarding their case, they are under no obligation to retain the lawyer's services.

The following are a short list of directory services available:

* ABA Directory of Lawyer Referral Services – This directory lists state wide and local bar association referral services. The local referral services specify which counties they serve. Each referral service will indicate whether they give referrals for all specialties or exclude certain ones. Information is also given as to whether low fee or PRO BONO (no fee) programs are provided for low income clients.
* Law and Legal Information Directory by Steven & Jacqueline O'Brien Wasserman – This source has an alphabetical listing by state of referral services located in that JURISDICTION. Included are entries for services provided by the state bar as well as local bar associations. Street and web site addresses, regular and toll–free telephone numbers Are provided. If you qualify by income, a listing of legal aid offices arranged alphabetically by state and cities within will include the same information the lawyer referral section provides.
* Web Services – If you do not have access to either of the above titles, you may obtain information on the legal referral services offered by your state bar by logging on to www.findlaw.com. From this cite you will be led to links for each state which in turn will include links to that state's bar association and the lawyer referral service it provides.

Questions to Ask Before Retaining a Lawyer

There are four purposes to this process. First, it allows consumers to determine whether the attorney has sufficient experience not just in the specialty pertaining to their problem, but also whether the lawyer has had previously solved a similar problem for another client. Second, they can learn whether his style is suited to their goals in resolving the dispute they have with the other side. For example, if a potential client is hoping for a SETTLEMENT, a hardball Rambo like style may backfire. Third, they will discover how well they and the attorney communicate with one another. Fourth, they can ask the attorney if they are able to devote sufficient time and resources, such as a support staff, to their case.

Consumer Reports suggests that the following questions be asked during an interview with any attorney a consumer is considering retaining:

* How many years of experience do you have in this specialty and how have you handled similar disputes in the past?
* What are the possible results from pursuing this matter?
* How long will you expect it to take to resolve this matter?
* How will you keep me informed of what is happening as the case proceeds?
* Will anyone else, such as one of your associates or paralegals, be working on my case?
* Do you charge a flat or an hourly rate and how much?
* What other expenses will there be besides your fee and how are they calculated?
* What's a reasonable approximate figure for a total bill?
* Can you give me a written estimate?
* Can some of the work be handled by members of your staff at a lower rate?
* Will unforeseen events increase the amount you charge me?
* If you charge on a contingency basis, what proportion of the amount I recover will be paid to you as your fee and can this figure be calculated after the expenses are deducted?
* How often will I be billed, and how are billing disputes resolved? If we cannot settle this, will you agree to mandatory arbitration?
* Do you need any further information from me?
* Can I do some of the work in exchange for a lower bill?
* Do you recommend that this matter be submitted to an arbitrator or mediator, and do you know anyone qualified to do this?

Additional Resources

Choosing a Matrimonial Lawyer: 10 Criteria for Finding the Right One for You. David M. Wildstein, Wilentz, Goldman, & Spitzer, 1996.

Consumer's Guide to Getting Legal Help. ABA, 2001.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer? Kahon, Stewart & Robert M. Cavello, Chilton Book Co., 1979.

Finding the Right Lawyer. Jay Foonberg, ABA Section of Law Practice and Management, 1995.

Guide to Consumer Services: Consumer Union's Advice on Credit, Income Tax, Choosing a Doctor or Dentist, Finding a Lawyer, Closing Costs, Auto Repair and Much More. Consumer's Union, 1979.

How to Find the Best Lawyers: And Save over 50% in Legal Fees. John Roesler, Message Co., 1996.

Lawyer Referral and Information Service Handbook. ABA, 1980 - Published biannually.

Let's Talk Law: Selecting a Lawyer. Crest Video Marketing.

Profile 2000: Characteristics of Lawyer Referral and Information Service. ABA Committee on Lawyer Referral and Information Service, 1999.

Using a Lawyer and What to Do if Things Go Wrong. HALT.
Organizations

American Divorce Association of Men International
1519 S. Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
USA Phone: (847) 364-1555

American Society for Divorced and Separated Men
575 Keep St.
Elgin, IL 60120 USA
Phone: (847) 665-2200

Atlanta Lawyers for the Arts
152 Nassau St.
Atlanta, GA 30303 USA
Phone: (404) 585-6110

Chicago Divorce Association
One Pierce Center
Itasca, IL 60143 USA
Phone: (630) 860-2100

Christian Legal Society
4208 Evergreen Lane, Suite 222
Annandale, VA 22003 USA
Phone: (703) 642-1070

Families for Private Adoption
P.O. Box 6375
Washington, DC 20015 USA
Phone: (202) 722-0338

Find the Children
3030 Nebraska Ave., Suite 207
Santa Monica, CA 90404-4111 USA
Phone: (310) 998-8444

Help Abolish Legal Tyranny (HALT)
1612 K St., N.W. Suite 510
Washington, DC 20006 USA
Phone: (202) 887-8255
Phone: (888) FOR-HALT
URL: www.halt.org

Military Law Task Force
1168 Union, #200
San Diego, CA 92101 USA
Phone: (619) 233-1701

National Counsel of Black Lawyers
116 W. 111th St., 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10026 USA

National Health Law Program
2639 S. LaCienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034 USA
Phone: (310) 204-0891

National Lawyers Guild
126 University Place, 5th floor
New York, NY 10003-4538 USA

National Whistleblower Center
3238 P St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20007 USA
Phone: (202) 342-1902