ABOUT THIS SERVICE:

mnfindalawyer.com is a free online lawyer search and referral service. It is a public service of the Minnesota State Bar Association, a membership organization of more than 16,000 lawyers.

Is there a fee to use mnfindalawyer.com?

No. There is no charge to the public for using the site and obtaining online referrals to available lawyers.

Will the lawyer I find charge me for the initial consultation?

It depends.  Some lawyers may charge for an initial consultation, while others may not. Before contacting a lawyer you find here, you should review the lawyer's profile information to determine if he or she will charge for an initial consultation. If it is not clear, ask the lawyer when you contact him or her about any initial consultation policy.

Do lawyers on mnfindalawyer charge for their services?

Yes.  All of the lawyers on mnfindalawyer expect that their clients will pay for legal services. You should discuss fees with the lawyer at the initial consultation and, if you want to hire the lawyer, ask to receive a written explanation of what the fees will be to handle your legal matter.

I don't think I can afford a lawyer. What should I do?

If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, ask the lawyer before the initial consultation if he or she uses any alternative payment arrangements, such as monthly installments, "limited scope services," or flat fee services. Some lawyers may be willing to offer payment plans or other arrangements if they are assured that a client will meet payment obligations. You can search the mnfindalawyer listings to find any lawyers who will consider limited scope services or flat fee arrangements.

If you believe your income is low enough that you qualify for free legal services, consult the materials at LawHelpMN.org to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for such services.

Will the lawyer be able to solve my problem at the initial consultation?

You should not expect to "solve" your problem during the initial consultation. Instead, a lawyer will use the initial consultation to gather information and to give you a general idea about whether you have a problem that could be helped by legal advice or action. The lawyer should also discuss with you the time and cost of pursuing any recommended course of action.

How are lawyers added to mnfindalawyer.com?

Any Minnesota licensed lawyer who is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association is eligible to provide a profile on mnfindalawyer.com. Lawyers listed on mnfindalawyer.com pay a fee to be listed and also agree to abide by the program's terms of use.