In the past, finding a lawyer often involved relying on word of mouth, looking through phone books, or reading newspaper articles.
Traditional options for finding an attorney, such as word of mouth, phone books, and newspaper articles, may not be the most reliable or efficient way to locate an attorney for several reasons:
- Limited scope: These methods offer a limited number of options, which might not include the most suitable attorney for your specific case.
- Outdated information: Phone books and newspaper articles may contain outdated information, leading to wasted time contacting unavailable or retired attorneys.
- Lack of detailed information: These sources often provide only basic contact information, making it difficult to evaluate an attorney’s knowledge, experience, or reputation.
Online searches and review websites, while more modern, also have their drawbacks:
- Unverified reviews: Online reviews can be manipulated or created by individuals who may not have actually used the attorney’s services, leading to biased or inaccurate information.
- Information overload: The sheer volume of information available online can make it time-consuming and challenging to sift through and identify the most relevant and reliable sources.
- Inconsistency in quality: Not all review websites maintain strict quality control, meaning the information provided might be outdated, incomplete, or misleading.
In comparison, attorney referral services like LegalMatch remain a dependable method of finding legal representation. LegalMatch streamlines the process of finding an attorney by providing detailed information, pre-screened attorneys, and an efficient platform to connect potential clients with suitable legal professionals.
What Is an Attorney Referral Service?
Attorney referral services are resources that help people find a lawyer who practices law in the relevant legal field. These services are typically run by state Bar Associations or their affiliated city or county bar associations.
For example, the Oklahoma Bar Association offers a limited directory, while the Tulsa County Bar Association provides an attorney referral service. Services provided by bar associations usually cost between $20 and $25 per referral.
How Does an Attorney Referral Service Work?
To use an attorney referral service, you must first find and contact the service. You will then explain your legal issue to a representative, who will search their database and provide you with an attorney’s name and contact information. However, there is no guarantee that the referred attorney is the best fit for your case.
What Is LegalMatch?
LegalMatch, established in 2000, aimed to simplify and revolutionize the traditional method of finding the right lawyer.
Users register for free and submit their case details, which are then sent to local attorneys practicing in relevant legal fields. Interested and available attorneys will contact the user to discuss the case. The user can choose whether or not to hire the recommended attorney without any obligation.
What are the Benefits of Using LegalMatch Over an Attorney Referral Service?
LegalMatch offers several advantages over traditional attorney referral services, such as the following:
- Pre-screened attorneys: LegalMatch requires attorneys to have a valid bar license, excellent references, no serious disciplinary issues, and be in good standing with their state bar association.
- Detailed attorney information: Users can view an attorney’s educational background, legal experience, case types, fees, charges, and client ratings.
- One-time explanation of the legal issue: LegalMatch allows users to submit their case details only once, streamlining the process.
- Confidentiality: Users can post their cases anonymously, maintaining privacy throughout the process.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: LegalMatch offers a $1,000-$5,000 satisfaction guarantee for attorney matches, unlike attorney referral services.
- Focused on connections: LegalMatch focuses on being an optimal platform for attorneys and potential clients to connect.
- High user satisfaction: Over 98% of LegalMatch users would use the service again and recommend it to others.
- Wide range of practice areas: LegalMatch connects you with attorneys experienced in various legal fields, increasing the likelihood of finding an attorney with the right experience for each case.
- Time-saving: LegalMatch saves users time by streamlining the attorney search process, reducing the need for multiple consultations or inquiries.
- Comparison of multiple attorneys: Users can compare multiple attorneys based on their profiles, client reviews, and fees before making a decision, empowering them to make an informed choice.
- Access to helpful resources: LegalMatch provides users with access to legal articles, guides, and advice, helping them better understand their legal situation and options.
- Nationwide network: LegalMatch has a vast network of attorneys across the United States, increasing the chances of finding a local attorney suitable for each user’s specific needs.
- No upfront fees: Users can access LegalMatch’s services for free, with no obligation to hire an attorney found through the platform.
- User-friendly interface: LegalMatch’s website is designed for easy navigation and user-friendliness, making the process of finding an attorney less daunting for users.
- Ongoing customer support: LegalMatch offers customer support to assist users throughout the process of finding and working with an attorney.
These benefits demonstrate how LegalMatch provides a more comprehensive, user-centric approach to finding legal representation compared to traditional attorney referral services.
Why Should I Use LegalMatch Over a State Bar Referral Service?
Using LegalMatch over a state bar referral service offers several advantages that can make finding the right attorney easier and more efficient.
Here are some reasons why you should consider LegalMatch:
- Pre-screened attorneys: LegalMatch requires attorneys to have a valid bar license, excellent references, no serious disciplinary issues, and be in good standing with their state bar association. LegalMatches’s pre-screening ensures you are connected with reputable professionals.
- Detailed attorney information: LegalMatch provides comprehensive information about attorneys, including their educational background, legal experience, case types, fees, charges, and client ratings, allowing you to make an informed decision.
- One-time explanation of the legal issue: With LegalMatch, you only need to submit your case details once, streamlining the process and saving time compared to contacting multiple attorneys individually.
- Confidentiality: LegalMatch allows you to post your case anonymously, ensuring your privacy is maintained throughout the process of finding the right lawyer for your case.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: LegalMatch offers a $1,000-$5,000 satisfaction guarantee for attorney matches, giving you peace of mind and confidence in the service, which is not provided by state bar referral services.
- Focused on connections: LegalMatch emphasizes being an optimal platform for attorneys and potential clients to connect, prioritizing the user experience and fostering meaningful connections between clients and legal professionals.
- Wide range of practice areas: LegalMatch connects users with attorneys experienced in various legal fields, increasing the likelihood of finding an attorney with the right skills for each case.
- Access to helpful resources: LegalMatch provides you with access to legal articles, guides, and advice, helping you better understand your legal situation and options.
- Nationwide network: LegalMatch has a vast network of attorneys across the United States, increasing the chances of finding a local attorney suitable for your specific needs.
- No upfront fees: LegalMatch allows you to access its services for free, with no obligation to hire an attorney found through the platform.
Should I Use LegalMatch to Find a Lawyer?
LegalMatch provides a superior method for finding a lawyer compared to traditional methods like Yellow Pages or attorney referral services. With its emphasis on connecting clients with suitable attorneys, detailed information, and user satisfaction, LegalMatch offers a more reliable and efficient way to find legal representation.
Use LegalMatch to find the right lawyer for your case today.
