This is about:
- How to find a lawyer;
- How to check if a lawyer is qualified; and
- How to work with a lawyer.
How to find a lawyer
You have two main options for legal help:
- Nonprofit lawyers (free or low-cost)
- Private lawyers (you pay their fees)
Nonprofit lawyers:
- Work for nonprofit organizations that have a mission to help people
- Mostly represent people who have low-paying employers
- Provide free or very low-cost services
- Often have long waiting lists because many people need help
- Don't take every type of case
To find a nonprofit lawyer near you, go to LawHelp NY’s Legal Directory and:
- Enter your zip code.
- Select what your case is about.
- Get the list of nonprofits in or near your area.
- Contact them to ask if they can take your case.
Private lawyers:
- Require you to pay lawyer’s fees
- Might offer payment plans or sliding scale fees based on your income
- May take some cases "pro bono" (free) or at a discount, if you ask
If you prefer a for-profit ("private") lawyer or can't get nonprofit services, ask your friends and family for recommendations. To find a private lawyer in New York State, go to the New York State Bar Association’s page. In New York City, you can also use the New York City Bar’s page.
How to check qualifications
Before hiring a lawyer:
- Ask where they are licensed to practice law
- Check their license status online
- Look for any complaints or problems
Each state keeps a record of lawyers and reports problems on a public website. To check if a New York lawyer is licensed and in good standing:
- Go to the New York State Court website and type in the lawyer’s name
- Look for any discipline history or suspensions
- Make sure their registration is current
For immigration lawyers, check the Department of Justice website to make sure there are no issues. Immigration nonprofits may have "accredited representatives." They can give legal advice and work on your case. Check the Department of Justice’s list of qualified accredited representatives.
Only lawyers and accredited representatives can give legal advice. In New York, some "consultants" with legal training (from another country) may have a state license to give legal advice. Check their qualifications on the same official website used to check lawyers. Do not go to an immigration consultant or notario because they are not allowed to give legal advice or services.
Don't hire a lawyer who:
- Won't give you their full name or license number
- Can't show proof of their license
- Promises specific results ("I guarantee you'll win")
- Pressures you to pay immediately
- Won't give you a written agreement
Working with a lawyer
Before starting:
Get a written agreement that includes:
- An estimate of their fee
- What services are (and aren't) included
- Your responsibilities
- An estimate of how long your case will take (Sometimes it is hard to know how long a case will take, but it helps to include a rough timeline)
- How often you'll get updates
- Best ways to contact them
During your case:
- Keep organized records:
- Make copies of everything you give your lawyer
- Get copies of everything filed for your case
- Write down meeting dates and what was discussed
- Save all emails and letters from your lawyer
- Stay in touch:
- Tell your lawyer right away about any changes (address, phone, job, etc.)
- Ask questions if you don't understand something
- Respond quickly when your lawyer needs information
If problems come up:
- Talk to your lawyer first about your concerns
- Put serious complaints in writing
- Ask for itemized bills if costs seem wrong
- Contact the NY State Bar Association if your lawyer won't address serious problems
- You have the right to change lawyers if things aren't working out
Remember: Your lawyer works for you. They should explain things clearly, keep you informed, and treat you professionally. Don't be afraid to speak up if you need help to understand your case.
Last Reviewed: February 21, 2025