First published: Thursday, July 6, 2007

The New York Times
Finding a Good Lawyer
By Allen Charne

To the Editor:

In "On Second Thought, Let´s Just Rate All the Lawyers" (Sidebar column, July 2), Adam Liptak says "ordinary people have no good way to look for a lawyer." But people do indeed have a way to find a reputable, competent lawyer.

Many bar associations sponsor lawyer referral and information services so the public can find lawyers for their specific problem. The Legal Referral Service in New York City receives between 400 and 600 calls every weekday seeking legal help. Lawyers answer these phone calls to help direct clients to an appropriate individual attorney or pro bono entity.

With some variation, similar bar association-sponsored services exist in every major city throughout the United States.

The more progressive programs meet or exceed standards set by the American Bar Association, including requiring lawyers to have experience and insurance, and to participate in a dispute resolution process.

Allen Charne

New York, July 2, 2007

The writer is executive director of the Legal Referral Service for New York City and County Bar Associations.