How to go about finding a good lawyer?

[Caldazar]

How does one go about finding a good lawyer? Does one just open a phone book/internet search engine, find some names, and then cross-check against the state bar listings for Disciplinary Actions? Are there any good sources where folks go to review and rate lawyers?

For reference, I'm looking for local lawyers in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. I have need of a lawyer who deals with international income tax law and another one who practices in California labor law (two unrelated situations). Nothing serious; I just want to plunk down some money, ask my questions, and get some interpretations of the law. I'm just wondering if there's a faster approach other than "call around until you find someone you like."

Thanks in advance.

[EmAnJ]

I ask my friends, relatives and coworkers for recommendations. If you work in a company with internal legal council, ask them.

[ZipperJJ]

If you can't find anyone to personally recommend a lawyer, start with the SF Bar Association referral line.

[Roderick Femm]

Originally Posted by ZipperJJ

If you can't find anyone to personally recommend a lawyer, start with the SF Bar Association referral line.

Yeah, I did that a few years back and the results were less than stellar. The problem was not with the attorney but with the referral service. I specifically asked for someone with experience in wills for same sex couples. The guy I got apparently had no idea that there might be significant differences between wills for same sex couples vs. other people who want to leave their property to someone to whom they are neither related nor married. Not a disaster, but very disappointing.

I don't have a good answer for the OP. I think word of mouth is best on these kinds of services, but I tried that and couldn't find anyone I knew who had an attorney they wanted to recommend.

Angie's List apparently rates doctors and other types of services, but I don't think they do lawyers, last I checked. But you could take a look.


Roddy

[Markxxx]

Nothing beats talking with a person who actually has used that lawyer or for that matter, any other professional.

I found associations tend to view all their members as "If he's a member he has to be good." Which isn't necessarily so

[The Second Stone]

Obituaries, mortuaries, and graveyards.

On a more serious side, I second the SF Bar Association. There is an association in each county. Also, your second area is "labor". Do you mean employment law? Labor specializes in union issues while employment specializes in how employees are treated by all employers. In San Francisco there is a law firm called Rudy, Exelrod and Zeiff that does employment and they are good. I am not connected with them.

[Caldazar]

Originally Posted by The Second Stone

Also, your second area is "labor". Do you mean employment law? Labor specializes in union issues while employment specializes in how employees are treated by all employers.

Thanks for the clarification; yes, I do mean employment law specifically.

And thanks for the suggestions thus far, all.