Just because an attorney's name appears first on a list of search engine results

Just because an attorney's name appears first on a list of search engine results does not mean that he or she is the best person to work with. It is important to do all the necessary research, whether the lawyer is tops at Google or falls toward the bottom of the pack.

Talk to friends and family. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a lawyer. You get first hand information from someone who has been through the legal process with your potential attorney. Even if your friends or family have had a bad experience, that information is valuable so you don't make the same mistake.

While there are many jokes about how lawyers are dishonest and sneaky, most are actually interested in a fair settlement. When searching for an attorney, get some references and do some research ahead of time. Your final decision should be based on your own personal gut feeling about the integrity of the lawyer you hire.