How Dating Rules Can Help You Find an Attorney

The small business owner "needs rapport" with his or her attorney, "not necessarily the best one in the world," says Score counselor Herb Winkler.

Look Online

Some of Siegel's clients find him through the legal referral service, but most come to him by word of mouth or Internet searches. No matter what mode you use to find an attorney, he says, have some preliminary knowledge of the kind of advice you need and then narrow down your search.

Outside referral services, Siegel recommends the online searches at Martindale-Hubbell and Lawyers.com, which allow you to determine the credentials of an attorney before you call for an appointment. It's important to know what areas they have been practicing in and any limitations on their practice to certain courts, he says.

Your business may also benefit from services such as Pre-Paid Legal Services (PPD Quote), which provides legal expense plans, similar to medical reimbursement plans, for businesses that pay a membership fee of around $26 per month. Siegel says he has seen some clients benefit from similar plans through unions.

Because Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

As with dating, many business owners are afraid to dump their lawyers or even to communicate when they have a concern, says Charne. When small-business owners use a middleman such as a referral service, though, they call the service first if an issue arises, eliminating the need for direct confrontation.

In addition, referral services lessen the chance of a problem in the first place. The average time in practice of the NYC Bar's referral service's ABA-approved lawyers is 18 years, and its attorneys are checked for complaints filed against them.

Thanks to the resources out there, you don't have to be a naif to the attorney scene. If only the search for my next date could be as comprehensive.