Find a Lawyer or Resolve a Dispute with your Lawyer
If you choose to hire an attorney to represent you, there are several organizations to help you locate an attorney who is qualified in your field. If you have a problem with a lawyer who you have already hired, click here for resources to help resolve your dispute.
Find a Lawyer
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The Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) BASF provides a Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS), which will connect you with an attorney skilled in resolving your type of legal issue. There is a $35 fee for a half hour consultation with an LRIS representative, but there is no charge if you have been injured. Contact (415) 989-1616 or request a lawyer through this link. |
The State Bar provides information about lawyers, how to find an attorney, understanding the law and legal system, as well as legal information on many topics, legal forms, and legal guides. You can search the State Bar's website to see if an attorney has a record of disciplinary action. Read the State Bar's informational pamphlet Finding the Right Lawyer in English or Spanish. |
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A directory of specialized bar associations in California—both statewide and local. |
Martindale Hubbell publishes a print and online directory of attorneys and law firms who paid to be listed. The print version is available at the Law Library. |
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Findlaw’s National Bar Association This website links to the bar association of each state and specialized legal organizations and bar associations. |
Resolve a Dispute with your Lawyer
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Having a Problem with Your Lawyer? This informational pamphlet from the State Bar of California answers questions such as what to do if you have a problem with the fees charged by your lawyer or your lawyer behaves unethically, and offers examples of unethical behavior. It is available in English and Spanish.
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Attorney Discipline System of the State Bar of California The State Bar is responsible for protecting California consumers and regulating California attorneys. If your attorney acted unethically, or practiced law without a license, file a complaint with the State Bar or call 1-800-843-9053. If you are not sure if your attorney violated the ethical rules, review the Rules of Professional Conduct. After filing a complaint, the State Bar will investigate and, if appropriate, the attorney will be prosecuted by the State Bar Court. There are several alternative solutions to filing a complaint, which could resolve your problem. |
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The State Bar sponsored the creation of the Client Security Fund, which can reimburse clients who incurred a loss of money or property because of the dishonest conduct of their attorney. Reimbursement from the fund is not available for attorney incompetence or malpractice. To apply, you must first file a complaint with the State Bar's Attorney Discipline System. Then, proceed with the application. Read the informational pamphlet on the Client Security Fund. |
Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program The State Bar requires fee arbitration if the client requests it. It is an informal, confidential, and lower cost method of resolving a fee dispute with an attorney. Fee arbitrations are typically conducted by local bar association programs. For more information, read the Bar's informational pamphlet on fee disputes, contact the State Bar Office of Mandatory Fee Arbitration at 415-538-2020, or listen to the podcast about the program. |