Attorney Verification Checklist
A comprehensive step-by-step guide to verify attorney credentials, experience, and track record before engaging their services.
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Important Disclaimer
This checklist is designed to help you conduct independent research and due diligence. Completing this checklist does not constitute legal advice, attorney endorsement, or guarantee of competency. You are solely responsible for verifying an attorney's qualifications and determining whether they are suitable for your specific legal needs. Always trust your judgment and seek multiple opinions if needed.
Identify the attorney's primary state bar jurisdiction
Visit the state bar's attorney search/lookup tool
Search by attorney name and verify:
✓ License is currently active (not suspended or revoked)
✓ License status shows 'Good Standing' or equivalent
✓ Bar admission date and jurisdictions
Document the verification with a screenshot or printout
Check state bar discipline database (usually on state bar website)
Search for any disciplinary actions, suspensions, or sanctions
Review details of any disciplinary history:
✓ Nature of the complaint or violation
✓ Dates and outcomes
✓ Whether it was resolved or ongoing
Check federal databases for any criminal convictions or sanctions
Search for malpractice insurance claims
Check online legal review sites for complaints:
Search court records for malpractice lawsuits
Look for patterns in complaints (e.g., communication, billing, competence)
Review attorney's website and biography for:
✓ Years of practice experience
✓ Specific constitutional law experience
✓ Education and law school attended
✓ Bar certifications or specializations
Search for published articles, books, or speaking engagements
Verify law school accreditation (ABA-accredited preferred)
Search for reported cases involving the attorney
Review case outcomes for:
✓ Constitutional law cases specifically
✓ Cases similar to your legal issue
✓ Success rate and case outcomes
Check attorney's website for case results (verify independently)
Ask attorney directly about:
✓ Number of cases handled in your specific area
✓ Success rate and typical outcomes
✓ References from previous clients (if available)
Ask about fee structure options:
✓ Hourly rate (and what's included)
✓ Flat fee arrangements
✓ Contingency arrangements (if applicable)
✓ Retainer requirements
Request a written fee agreement before engagement
Clarify what costs are included:
✓ Court filing fees
✓ Document preparation
✓ Expert witness fees
✓ Other out-of-pocket expenses
During initial consultation, assess:
✓ Responsiveness to your inquiries
✓ Clarity of explanations
✓ Professionalism and demeanor
✓ Willingness to answer questions
✓ Understanding of your specific legal issue
Ask about communication preferences:
✓ How often will you receive updates?
✓ Preferred contact method (email, phone, in-person)
✓ Response time expectations
Trust your instincts about whether you feel comfortable working with this attorney
What You Should Know Before Hiring
- ✓ Attorney's current license status and bar standing
- ✓ Any disciplinary history or complaints
- ✓ Malpractice claims or settlements
- ✓ Relevant experience in constitutional law
- ✓ Track record with similar cases
- ✓ Clear fee structure and billing practices
- ✓ Communication style and responsiveness
Red Flags to Watch For
- ⚠ License suspended, revoked, or not in good standing
- ⚠ Multiple disciplinary actions or recent complaints
- ⚠ Significant malpractice claims or settlements
- ⚠ Vague about experience or case outcomes
- ⚠ Unwilling to provide fee agreement in writing
- ⚠ Unresponsive or dismissive of your questions
- ⚠ Guarantees of specific outcomes
Next Steps
After completing this checklist, you should have a comprehensive understanding of the attorney's qualifications and track record. Use this information to make an informed decision about whether to engage their services.