Need a lawyer?

I need a lawyer. Where do I start?

Whether you need a lawyer for a family matter, a property purchase, a work problem, a visa or a business dispute, this guide shows you what to do first, what kind of lawyer you need and how to find a good one, near you or abroad.

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First: is it urgent?

If you have been arrested, someone is in danger, or you have a court date or deadline in the next few days, act today. In an emergency call the police or emergency services. If you are held by police, ask for a lawyer straight away; in many countries a free duty or public defender lawyer is available.

Legal deadlines can be short. Employment claims, appeals and responses to court papers can have time limits of weeks, not months. If you have received a letter or court papers, note any dates on them before you do anything else.

What kind of lawyer do I need?

Not sure? Describe your situation in plain words in the Legal Help Finder and it will point you to the right area of law.

How to find a good lawyer

  1. Match the specialism

    Look for a lawyer who regularly handles your kind of matter, not a generalist. Browse lawyers by practice area.

  2. Check where they can practice

    Law is local. You need a lawyer licensed where your matter is, which may not be where you live. Find lawyers by country.

  3. Check their regulator

    Every listing shows the regulator and registration number. Confirm it on the regulator's own register, such as a state bar in the USA or the SRA in England and Wales.

  4. Speak to two or three

    Ask how they would approach your matter, who will do the work, and how they charge. Choose the one you trust and understand.

What to have ready before you contact a lawyer

  • A short summary of what happened and what you want to achieve
  • Key dates, including any deadline or court date
  • Copies of letters, contracts, emails or court papers
  • The names of the other people or businesses involved
  • Your questions about fees and timescales

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

Many lawyers offer a free or fixed-fee first consultation, and fixed fees are common for simple work such as wills, notarial services and straightforward property transactions. Some matters qualify for legal aid or free help from law clinics and pro bono schemes. Check your options with the legal aid checker, and always ask a lawyer up front how they charge.

I need a lawyer in another country

If your matter is abroad, such as a property purchase overseas, an inheritance in another country, or a visa application, you need a lawyer qualified in that country. My Legal Hub lets you search for lawyers in 190+ countries in one place and contact them directly, wherever you live.

Common questions

How do I find a lawyer near me?

Search My Legal Hub by your country and the type of legal help you need, then compare the lawyers listed. Each profile shows where the lawyer practices, what they handle and their regulator, so you can contact the right one directly.

What kind of lawyer do I need?

It depends on your problem: a family lawyer for divorce or custody, a real estate lawyer for property, an employment lawyer for work issues, an immigration lawyer for visas, a business lawyer for contracts, and a probate lawyer for wills and estates. If you are unsure, the Legal Help Finder will suggest the right area of law from a plain description.

How much does a lawyer cost?

It varies by country, specialism and how complex your matter is. Lawyers may charge an hourly rate, a fixed fee or, for some claims, a contingency or conditional fee. Many offer a free or low-cost first consultation. Always ask for a written estimate before you instruct a lawyer.

What should I ask a lawyer before hiring them?

Ask how many similar matters they have handled, who will do the work, how they charge and what the likely total cost is, how long it may take, and how they will keep you updated. Also confirm they are licensed in the right country or state.

What is the difference between a lawyer, an attorney and a solicitor?

Lawyer is the general term for someone qualified to give legal advice. In the USA, lawyers are usually called attorneys. In the UK and some other countries, solicitors advise clients directly and barristers specialize in court advocacy. My Legal Hub lists all of them.

Can I get a lawyer for free?

Sometimes. Depending on your country, income and type of matter, you may qualify for legal aid, a public defender, a law clinic or pro bono help. Many lawyers also offer a free first consultation. Searching for a lawyer on My Legal Hub is always free.

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