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Comment by polygamous_bat | Hacker News Reader

Seems like a personal web of trust, but what happens when I don't know any lawyers at all?

Full story: I am close to a contract dispute with my landlady (she refuses to keep the heat at the legal minimum level because it would be too expensive for her, and threatened to evict us when I mentioned the law) and anticipate needing legal help soon.

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You don’t really have to know any lawyers. You can find a lawyer who has a good reputation easily. They are always up for a chat and know the lawyer that’s would be useful for your situation. There’s a good amount of networking and referrals going on in the legal profession and is perfectly normal to just ask for help.

It’s like if your stomach hurt you might call a gastroenterologist but then he says sounds like something a dietician can help with and tells you someone they recommend. Same thing happens in the legal world.

Not sure what country you're in.. but in the US, most medium sized cities have "legal aid clinics" who can either help you directly or refer you to a local attorney specializing in your matter. The state bar association can do the same but they're more of a generic directory than a referral.

Yes, the state bar will generally refer you to a lawyer in good standing who is familiar with the practice area and is willing to do a 30 min to hour consultation for a flat rate.

Lots of industries have connections to lawyers. I have a personal friend who is a realtor, for instance, and knows lawyers who do title work -- very unlikely they could help you, title work is super specific, but they'd be a good place to ask.

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