There are many different ways to find an attorney:
To choose a private attorney, get recommendations from friends, people you respect, or people who have had good experiences with their attorney. Law, like medicine, is very specialized. A good criminal lawyer may be a bad divorce lawyer. So ask specifically for a lawyer who works in the area in which you have need.
You can also search the Martindale-Hubbell directory at http://www.martindale.com/. The Martindale-Hubbell directory allows other attorneys and clients to rate the attorneys listed. You can also look at legal directories at your local library.
The Lawyer Referral Service can help you find a lawyer that specializes in your area of need. Go to their website at http://www.iowabar.org/ and click on “Find a Lawyer.”
When you call the attorney, you will need to tell them that you received his or her name from the Lawyer Referral Service so they are aware to only charge you $25.00 for the initial consultation. $25.00 will cover one thirty minute session with the lawyer. Any charges beyond that initial consultation will be between the client and the attorney. All LRS attorneys are private attorneys and will arrange their fees with you. If you cannot pay an attorney’s regular fees you will need to contact Iowa Legal Aid.
For more information about Iowa Legal Aid, visit the Iowa Legal Aid page.
Whether you pay an attorney or are represented by an attorney from Iowa Legal Aid, it is essential that you feel comfortable with your lawyer. It is your right to change lawyers if you are not happy.
For more information you can check the Brochures section of the Iowa Bar Association website:
http://www.iowabar.org/?page=YouAndTheLaw
Also, visit our immigration lawyers/legal assistance page for more resources to find a lawyer to represent your needs:
http://www.welcometoiowa.org/law-and-legal-matters/immigration-lawyerslegal-assistance