[polygamous_bat]

Seems like a personal web of trust, but what happens when I don't know any lawyers at all?

Full story: I am close to a contract dispute with my landlady (she refuses to keep the heat at the legal minimum level because it would be too expensive for her, and threatened to evict us when I mentioned the law) and anticipate needing legal help soon.

[conductr]

You don’t really have to know any lawyers. You can find a lawyer who has a good reputation easily. They are always up for a chat and know the lawyer that’s would be useful for your situation. There’s a good amount of networking and referrals going on in the legal profession and is perfectly normal to just ask for help.

It’s like if your stomach hurt you might call a gastroenterologist but then he says sounds like something a dietician can help with and tells you someone they recommend. Same thing happens in the legal world.

[caseysoftware]

Not sure what country you're in.. but in the US, most medium sized cities have "legal aid clinics" who can either help you directly or refer you to a local attorney specializing in your matter. The state bar association can do the same but they're more of a generic directory than a referral.

[benmanns]

Yes, the state bar will generally refer you to a lawyer in good standing who is familiar with the practice area and is willing to do a 30 min to hour consultation for a flat rate.

[hawkice]

Lots of industries have connections to lawyers. I have a personal friend who is a realtor, for instance, and knows lawyers who do title work -- very unlikely they could help you, title work is super specific, but they'd be a good place to ask.