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Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Guides to ethics and professional responsibility from OpenLaw: what a lawyer costs, whether you need one, the questions to ask before you hire, how the law works in your state, and how to find a lawyer or attorney near you. Every guide is written to answer one question and shows its sources.
October 14, 2026Law Office: How to Find, Check and Hire the Right OneA law office is a business where one or more licensed attorneys give legal advice and represent clients. To hire one, name your legal issue, find offices that handle it, check the lawyer's license with your state bar, use the first consultation to ask questions, and get the fee terms in writing.
October 14, 2026Lawyer Website: How to Check One Before You HireYes, a lawyer's website is a good place to start, but don't rely on it alone. Check the lawyer's name with your state bar, make sure the phone number and address match the bar's records, treat promised results with doubt, and get the fee agreement in writing before you pay.
October 14, 2026Attorneys at Law: What "Attorney's at Law" Means and How to Hire One"Attorney at law" means a lawyer licensed by a state's highest court to give legal advice and represent clients in court. The plural is "attorneys at law"; "attorney's at law" is a common misspelling. To hire one, find candidates, check their license with the state bar and get the fee terms in writing.
October 14, 2026Attorney Online: How to Find, Check and Hire a Lawyer Over the InternetYes, you can get an attorney online. Lawyers may practice virtually under ABA Formal Opinion 498. Use free services like ABA Free Legal Answers, legal aid locators and bar-certified referral services, then check the lawyer's license with the state bar before you pay anything.