The Lawyer Short List™ is an index of suggested legal web sites focused on helping individuals and businesses find lawyers, legal law information and law related resources on the Internet.

The Lawyer Short List™ presents you with basic information about common areas of law in the format of a short list.  Sponsor and information web site links point you in the right direction for further research.  Scroll down or click here to learn more about an area of law, types of lawsuits or how to find a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions
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Common Areas Of Law
Lawyers typically focus their practice on one or several common areas of law.  Some lawyers and law firms are known as general practice or general law firms that handle many different areas of law.  In larger general practice firms individual lawyers may focus only on a particular type of law such as real estate law.

The legal system is complex and extends into all aspects of life and business.  The list of common areas of law below includes the most popular categories of a legal practice that you are likely to encounter in your day to day personal and business affairs.  When choosing a lawyer you would typically select one experienced in the area of law in which your individual legal matter falls. Underlined areas contain links to more specific information.  Common areas of law include:

     Automobile Accidents
     Bankruptcy Law
     Small Business Law
     Children's Injuries
     Civil Rights
     Construction Law
     Corporate Law
     Criminal Law
     Disability Law
     Divorce
     DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving
     Elder Law
     Employment & Workplace Law
     Estate Planning
     Family Law
     Immigration Law
     Lemon Law
     Medical Malpractice
     No-Fault Divorce
     Patent Law
     Personal Injury Law
     Prescription Drug Injuries
     Real Estate Law
     Securities Law
     Tax Law
     Trademark Law
     Traffic Tickets & Violations
     Work Injuries

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Should I Hire A Lawyer?
Any legal matter, large or small, can have very serious negative consequences and should not be taken lightly.  Certain legal situations may be complex and difficult.  Something as simple as signing a document can strip you of valuable rights.  Lawyers experienced in your specific legal matter can help you evaluate your situation and determine what course of action is best for you.  

Since most lawyers offer an initial consultation for free or for a minimal fee, there is no good reason not to consult one.  You are under no obligation to hire the lawyer and they can help you determine whether or not you need legal representation.

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How Do I Choose A Lawyer?
Most people confronted with a legal issue will start by talking to family members or friends who may recommend a particular lawyer.  Traditional media types such as yellow page directories, television, radio and local newspapers are also great sources of initial information.  

Since personal recommendations and traditional media types provide limited information, one of the best ways to learn about a lawyer or law firm is right here on the Internet.

The Internet allows lawyers to visually present their credentials and personality to help you determine if he or she is someone that you should consider.  Many law firm web sites are professionally designed and provide enough valuable information for you to make decision without additional research.  Unfortunately, other poorly designed lawyer web sites may not provide photographs or sufficient personal information about the lawyers to help you at all.   

Using the resources outlined above you should make a list of one or more lawyers that you feel comfortable considering.  Call the lawyers on your list to schedule an initial consultation over the phone or in person.  Use the initial consultation to ask any remaining questions that you have and make a final decision concerning the lawyer. 

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What Questions Should I Ask?
Whether you are confronted with a serious legal issue such as a criminal charge or you just want to document your final wishes in will, choosing a lawyer to represent you can become overwhelming.  Asking the right questions is essential in determining who is likely to do the best job for you.  Consider the following questions and ask those that are most important to you. 

Experience
Once you have identified one or more lawyers as possible choices you can review their web site to learn more about them.  The following are common questions relating to experience:

	How long has the lawyer been practicing law?
	Has the lawyer handled cases similar to yours?
	What additional knowledge, experience or resources does the law firm possess that might help you with your case or matter?
	What is the lawyer’s educational background and credentials?
	What work experience does he or she have?

Personality
In addition to the lawyer's experience, other factors such as personality are important factors to consider.  The following are common questions associated with the personality of the lawyer:

	What type of personality does the lawyer have?
	Does the lawyer have a professional appearance?
	Is he or she someone that you’ll feel comfortable talking to?
	Will you trust them?
	Will he or she be empathetic to your story, cause or situation?
	How were you treated when you called the office?
	What is the appearance of the office?

Services
In addition to the lawyer's experience, other factors such as personality are important factors to consider.  The following are common questions associated with the services that lawyers provide:

	Does the lawyer offer a free initial consultation?
	Will the lawyer bill you hourly, a flat fee or accept the case on a contingency basis?
	What is the total estimated cost?
	What can you do to help minimize the legal fees?
	How much money will you have to provide up front?
	How long will it take to conclude the matter?
	Is the office conveniently located?
	How often will the lawyer report to you?
	What is the lawyer's policy for returning phone calls?
	How long will it take to conclude the matter?