FINDING THE RIGHT LAWYER

If you think that you need a lawyer, first ask yourself, "What type of legal problem do I have?" No lawyer is an expert in every field of law, and many have chosen to limit their practice to one or more specialties. It's important to choose a lawyer who specializes in the kind of work that you need to have done.

A good way to find a lawyer is through a Lawyer Referral & Information Service like the one operated by the Knoxville Bar Association. You can call the Association at 522-7501 from 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm - Monday through Thursday (1 pm to 3 pm on Friday) or use their web site: www.knoxbar.org .

When you contact the Knoxville Bar Association, please remember that the person you speak to cannot give you legal advice over the telephone or at the office, because he or she is not a lawyer. Instead, they will explain that you have the following two options.

Option #1 For a $25 referral fee, an appointment will be arranged for you with an attorney who practices in the area of law in which you need assistance. The $25 fee covers your first 30-minute consultation. After that time, if you wish to hire that attorney, the two of you can discuss any additional fee.

Scheduling an appointment will help you determine whether you need to hire a lawyer, how long it will take to resolve your legal matter, and how much it will cost. Go to the consultation prepared to use your time wisely. Take any legal papers or documents that apply to your situation, and prepare your questions in advance to make sure that you cover all your concerns.

Option #2 If you prefer to discuss the situation over the telephone with an attorney, the Lawyer Referral & Information Service will supply you with the names and phone numbers of two or three attorneys who handle cases in the area of law in which you have a concern. You can then contact each of these attorneys directly for a ten minute telephone consultation. The fee for two attorneys is $25 and for three attorneys the fee is $35, and must be prepaid by credit card or money order.

The Lawyer Referral & Information Service is a public service of the Knoxville Bar Association; it recently received accreditation from the American Bar Association.