First things first
Summarize your situation on ONE PAGE. Briefly outline the problem, facts, timeline, what you've done to resolve the problem, and what you want. Put this outline in a file folder along with relevant documents you may need to duplicate later, for example, notes and timeline, receipts, letters, telephone records, etc.
Do you really NEED a lawyer?
Sometimes you just need an advocate, maybe an elected official or someone in a non-profit organization, or government agency assistance. Your public library(Link is external), local law library(Link is external), Oregon state bar association(Link is external), and legal aid(Link is external) office may be able to refer you to relevant legal and social service organizations or web sites. Public libraries have excellent print and online directories to help you find social service, nonprofits, and legal advocacy organizations, so check out your public library, check out its website, phone them, or contact an Oregon librarian via chat(Link is external), where you can ask your question online.
Is legal SELF-HELP right for you?
Stop by your local law library(Link is external) and ask how to research your legal problem and about referrals. Public libraries(Link is external) will have legal self-help books. Read the information at these websites:
- Legal Aid Services of Oregon(Link is external),
- Oregon Judicial Department Self-Help Resources(Link is external),
- Oregon State Bar(Link is external)
Self-help means lots of things: talking to a government attorney or an elected official or a neighbor, writing a letter to a manufacturer, drafting a legal document, etc. You may still want to talk to an attorney or a specialist to find out all your legal rights and responsibilities, but you will be doing a lot of the research yourself.
There are few "fill-in-the-blank" legal forms in Oregon. You will have to draft most legal forms yourself, though you will usually be able to find sample forms. If you need to represent yourself in court, you will have to research the laws that apply to your case, follow relevant procedural rules, and prepare and file documents. If you do decide to represent yourself, we recommend you consult an attorney (or OJD family law facilitator(Link is external), if applicable) at some stage in your research, preferably before you file any documents with the court.
So how DO I find a lawyer?
One way is to ask for a referral from someone you know and trust. Even if that referral is a lawyer who practices in another area of law, they may still be able to make a referral to the specialist lawyer you need.
There are many other places to find lawyer referrals:
- Oregon Law Help(Link is external) (Legal Aid) offers legal advice in some situations; only they will be able to tell you if your case is one of them.
- St. Andrew Legal Clinic(Link is external) offers legal services on a sliding scale where they will be able to tell you if they can help and what your cost would be.
- Oregon State Bar's lawyer referral service(Link is external) will allow you a 30-minute consultation with a lawyer for $35.
- The Legal Assistance Resource Guide(Link downloads document) has information of various forms of low-cost or free legal assistance available in Oregon.
- Lawyer web pages: Use your favorite search engine (Google, Bing, etc.) Be sure to include the subject (i.e. special needs trust) in your search
- Lawyer directories:
I've found a couple of possibilities – now what?
Call the attorney and make an appointment; ask what documents to bring with you. Be prepared for an intake interview or consultation with the attorney's legal assistant before you talk to the attorney. Have your paperwork in order. Note: You do not have to hire the first attorney you meet. You need to respect and trust the attorney you do hire and it’s perfectly acceptable to interview more than one before making a decision.
I've found the one (I think)!
Listed below are a few tips on working with attorneys, but if you want to know more, go to your public library and ask for books on the subject (e.g. from Nolo Press(Link is external)). If you do nothing else, PLEASE:
- TALK to your attorney, ask questions, listen and take notes.
- Ask how you will have to pay for the law firm’s services.
- Ask for a written fee agreement and for suggestions on how to keep your legal costs down.
- Ask what to do if you have questions for your lawyer and how to track the status of your case.
- Go to the Oregon State Bar's(Link is external) (OSB) Public Information pages.
- At the OSB Member Directory(Link is external) verify your lawyer is licensed in Oregon.