You know the score, you’ve been left in a thorny legal predicament and you need to track down a local attorney www.localattorneysonline.com faster than you can say ‘all systems breaking down’. But finding the right legal mind isn’t just a matter you can go on the Internet or simply take Sally’s advice about her neighbor’s cousin’s lawyer. Instead, it’s a mixture of intuition, recommendations, and some detective work.

Start by dipping into your network. Ask friends and family, or even that smart aleck at work if they’ve ever been in legal trouble and who they used to get out of it. Personal stories are gold. They offer a glimpse into the style in which a lawyer practices his profession–is he a tenacious advocate before judges or does he pass clients through periods of great stress with quiet reassurance?

Then take a trip through the world of internet reviews. Please, don’t simply assume every five-star review is gospel truth or dismiss every one-star write-up as sour grapes. However these reviews can give you a snapshot of client satisfaction and some recurring issues. Sites like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell contain hard information to be gleaned–like profiles of lawyers and client ratings. Just remember that even the best have the occasional off day.

And those initial interviews? Think of them as legal speed-dating. You’re shopping for expertise but also somebody you like communicating with. Are you at ease in their office? Do you identify with their approach? After all pretty soon they’ll be hearing your inner-most thoughts, so it’s essential you’re relaxed.

Don’t sidestep the conversation about money. Legal assistance usually costs hard cash. Be very clear about fees so as not to receive any nasty shocks afterwards. Also quiz what goes along with any service charge to get a good picture of what’s on the line financially ahead of time. It will cost you less later on.

Finally, trust your hunches. If something feels wrong keep looking. The right lawyer should seem like a solid guide guiding you through a legal maze. With a bit of patience and a lot of homework, you can find the ideal legal partner–like looking for a needle in a haystack or better yet finding WiFi when you most need it. Here’s to the right support and getting the help you want!