Search for a personal injury lawyer online and you’ll find dozens of directories. They can look similar, but they work in different ways. Understanding the differences helps you use them well.
Open directories
Large general directories, such as Avvo, Justia, FindLaw and Martindale-Hubbell, aim to list most or all licensed lawyers, often using public bar records.
Strengths: very broad coverage, many practice areas, often include reviews and free legal Q&A.
Keep in mind: because they list almost everyone, inclusion doesn’t mean a lawyer was screened for quality. Some placements and profile features may be paid advertising, which is usually labeled.
Bar association referral services
Many state and local bar associations run lawyer referral services. You describe your issue and they refer you to a participating lawyer. The American Bar Association lists certified programs.
Strengths: run by or connected to the bar, often with experience requirements for participating lawyers, and sometimes a low-cost first consultation.
Keep in mind: you’re usually referred to one lawyer at a time from those who signed up, and availability varies by area.
Peer-review and recognition sites
Services like Martindale-Hubbell peer ratings, Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers recognize lawyers based on peer nominations, reviews or research.
Strengths: reflect how other lawyers view someone’s skill and ethics.
Keep in mind: methods vary, recognition isn’t the same as fit for your case, and not every good lawyer is listed.
Lead-generation sites
Some sites that look like directories collect your information and pass it to one or more firms that pay for leads. You may be contacted by several firms.
Keep in mind: check who runs the site and read how your information will be shared before submitting a form.
Selective, practice-specific directories
Some directories focus on one area of law and choose which lawyers to list.
LawyerUp is an example: a personal-injury-only directory where attorneys are hand-selected city by city, and you choose which firm to contact directly. Learn how we choose attorneys and how LawyerUp works.
Keep in mind: selective directories cover fewer lawyers and may not have listings in every city yet.
How to use any directory well
- Filter by practice area. Look for lawyers who focus on personal injury, not just list it.
- Check the license on your state bar website. See how to check a lawyer’s license.
- Read reviews for patterns, especially about communication.
- Know what’s paid. Look for “sponsored” or “ad” labels.
- Protect your information. Know who will receive any form you submit.
- Talk to two or three lawyers before deciding. See questions to ask a personal injury lawyer.
Find a hand-selected injury attorney in your city →
Frequently asked questions
Do lawyer directories list every lawyer?
Some aim to, using public bar data. Others list only lawyers who sign up, pay or are selected. Check each site's "about" or "how it works" page.
Are lawyers in directories vetted?
It depends on the directory. Many open directories don't screen for quality. Bar referral services and selective directories usually have some criteria. Always check the license yourself.
Do lawyer directories cost money for consumers?
Most are free for people looking for a lawyer. They're typically funded by lawyer advertising, listing fees or referral fees.
Will submitting a form get me calls from many lawyers?
On some lead-generation sites, yes. Read the site's privacy terms first. On LawyerUp, you contact only the firms you choose. See our privacy pledge.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. Talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.