MEMBER CENTER
Finding the right attorney to assist you with a legal problem is very important, and there are many resources in Tennessee to help you make this step. The best recommendations for legal resources come from reliable, knowledgeable, informed sources that are impartial (someone who does not have a bias that would influence the recommendation of a lawyer).
The first thing you need to consider in looking for a lawyer is what kind of legal problem you have. (For example, is your issue related to divorce, other family issues, debt, housing or a criminal charge?) No lawyer is an expert in every field of law, and many have chosen to limit their practice of law to one or more areas. So it is important that you find a lawyer who is able to handle your particular legal issue.
It is often helpful to obtain advice from relatives, friends, acquaintances, someone with whom you work, or other lawyers. When you ask such people to help you find a lawyer, be sure to explain to them the type of legal problem that you have. If they had a similar type of problem and were satisfied with their lawyer, you might want to consult that lawyer. On the other hand, if their problem was different than yours but they were pleased with their lawyer, that lawyer may be able to help you with your problem or to recommend another lawyer who could help you. In seeking advice about finding a lawyer, be sure that the people who advise you do not have some selfish reason for recommending one lawyer over another.
A good way to find a lawyer is through a Lawyer Referral Service. Several city bar associations across the state provide lawyer referral resources and directories, and they all have more information on their websites and via phone.
East Tennessee Resources
Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) - www.knoxbar.org
KBA Lawyer Referral & Information Service or (865) 522-7501
Chattanooga Bar Association (CBA) - www.chattanoogabar.org
CBA Lawyer Referral Service or (423) 756-3222
Middle Tennessee Resources
Nashville Bar Association (NBA) - www.nashvillebar.org
NBA Lawyer Referral & Information Service or (615) 242-6546
West Tennessee Resources
Memphis Bar Association (MBA) - www.memphisbar.org
The Board of Professional Responsibility (BPR) of the Supreme Court of Tennessee also provides information about lawyer referrals as part of it's information for the public.
Scheduling an appointment with a lawyer through a referral resource will help you determine whether you need to hire a lawyer, the approximate cost for the services of the lawyer and an estimate of approximately how long it will take to resolve your legal matter. Come to your appointment prepared and plan to use any consultation time wisely. Bring with you any legal papers or documents, and prepare all of your questions in advance to make sure that you cover all of your concerns.
In some situations, it can be a challenge to identify or communicate about legal issues you may be facing. One helpful tool to use is a Legal Wellness Checkup. The Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services Legal Wellness Checkup asks users a series of questions across six topics, from debts and money issues to health insurance. Your answers will help the tool identify your legal risk areas. It will then create a customized report for you with resources from Help4TN.org.
The Legal Wellness Checkup is not legal advice but can help you learn your rights and figure out how to get legal help when you need it. It is free to take the Legal Wellness Checkup. The Legal Wellness Checkup is made for people who live in Tennessee. Your personal identifying information will not be shared with anyone by the Legal Wellness Checkup.
Do I need a Legal Wellness Checkup?
- I have bills piling up.
- I need to know my rights with my landlord.
- I have questions about child custody or child support.
- I want to know how lawyers can help me and my family.
- I want to protect my legal rights.
The Legal Wellness Checkup is a project of Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services www.TALS.org, made possible by an American Bar Endowment Grant.
Under certain circumstances, people may be entitled to free representation by a lawyer. If you think that you might qualify for a lawyer free of charge, read the topic "Do I Qualify for a Free Attorney?"
This information is provided as a public service by the Tennessee Bar Association. It is basic legal information and should not be considered legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you have questions concerning a specific situation.