Find a Lawyer by State
Where your legal issue happens matters as much as what it is. Lawyers are licensed state by state, and most of the rules that decide a case, from injury claims to divorce to probate, come from state law. Expert Law Attorneys organizes ELA-recognized law firms by state so you can find a recognized firm that practices where you need help.
Browse ELA-Recognized Firms by State
- Alabama
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
Why the State Matters When Hiring a Lawyer
Every state has its own court system, its own procedures, and its own statutes. The deadline to file an injury lawsuit, the way property is divided in a divorce, the requirements for a valid will, and the options available after an arrest can all look different once you cross a state line. An attorney who practices in your state will know the local courts, the judges’ expectations, and the rules that apply to your situation.
In most cases, the lawyer handling your matter needs to be licensed in the state where the case will be heard. If you live in one state but the accident, property, or court case is in another, the right lawyer is usually one who practices where the case is located. Federal matters, such as immigration and bankruptcy, follow different rules, so ask a firm whether it can help if your situation crosses state lines.
How to Use the State Listings
Choose your state to see the ELA-recognized firms with offices there. From each firm’s profile you can review its practice areas, attorneys, office locations, and frequently asked questions, then contact the firm directly through its website. Many firms serve clients across their entire state, and some have offices in more than one state, so a firm based in a nearby city may still be a good fit.
Tips for Narrowing Your Search
Start with your type of case. Within your state, focus on firms that list your practice area, whether that is personal injury, family law, criminal defense, estate planning, or another need.
Consider location and convenience. A firm close to the courthouse handling your case or close to where you live can make meetings and court dates easier, although many firms now meet with clients by phone or video.
Confirm the license. You can verify that an attorney is licensed and in good standing through the lawyer licensing agency in your state, usually the state bar or the state’s highest court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lawyer from another state handle my case?
Usually the attorney needs to be licensed in the state where the case is filed. In some situations, a court may allow an out-of-state lawyer to appear in a single case alongside a local attorney. Immigration matters are an exception because immigration law is federal.
What if my state does not have many firms listed?
Expert Law Attorneys only features firms recognized in the ELA Awards, so some states have more listings than others. Check nearby areas, since many firms serve clients throughout their state.
Do I need a lawyer in my city or just my state?
A license in your state is what matters most. A local attorney can still be helpful because of familiarity with nearby courts and the convenience of in-person meetings.
Does it matter where I live or where the incident happened?
It depends on the case. Injury claims are often handled where the accident happened, divorces where a spouse meets the residency requirement, and probate where the person who died lived. A lawyer can tell you which state’s courts and laws apply.