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FAQS

For Consumers

Q. Why should I use your directory instead of a personal referral, the phone book, or other directories?
Q. How do I use Nolo's lawyer directory?
Q. Does Nolo "certify" or "refer" attorneys?
Q. What if I don't like the lawyer I find using your directory?
Q. Why do you have a lawyer directory? I thought your books made lawyers unnecessary.
Q. I know a great lawyer -- how can I refer him or her to you?

For Lawyers or Firms

Q. Can I reserve an ad in a specific county and category?
Q. How much do ads cost?
Q. Isn't your price too high?
Q. How much traffic does your website get?
Q. What's the guarantee?
Q. How will consumers find my listing?
Q. I specialize in a few legal subcategories. If I specialize in a subcategory you don't list, why can't you add it for me?
Q. How can I be listed above all the other lawyers?
Q. How do you promote the directory to attract more traffic?
Q. Do I really have to answer all those questions in the profile?

For Consumers

A. Personal referrals may -- or may not -- work out for you. If you get a referral from someone whose judgment you really trust, and the lawyer has the expertise you need (if your friend had a great divorce lawyer, but you need incorporation advice, the referral may not do you much good), then by all means check it out. You'll need to see whether or not you click with your friend's lawyer -- it's important not only to find someone with the right skills and experience, but also to find someone you feel comfortable with. When you use the phone book or most online directories, it's a bit like tossing a coin. You may find someone you like, or you may not. You can't tell much from the listings -- they don't provide either basic information (for example, whether or not the lawyer's license is current) or anything more in-depth (an idea of a lawyer's personality, experience, or philosophy). They're just ads, not particularly focused on the needs of people looking for a competent lawyer.

A. Finding the names of lawyers (and firms) is easy. Just put in your county or zip code, and then pick the practice area you're interested in -- real estate, personal injury, or family law, for example. Once you've gotten a few names, read the lawyers' profiles. They will tell you about the lawyer's experience, education, fees, and general philosophy of practicing law. It's all intended to give you a feel for whether or not this lawyer or firm will be a good fit for you. If you like what you see, call the lawyers to set up a first phone conversation or in-person meeting. Then you can make an informed decision about who to hire.

A. Nope. We merely provide an advertising medium. Some states certify attorneys as specialists in a particular practice area, and we are happy to include that information in the attorney's profile. Only state bar associations and their approved licensed referral companies can legally refer attorneys to the public. We are strictly a directory.

A. We encourage you to contact us and share positive or negative comments about the directory or a specific lawyer. If we get significant complaints, we may (see Terms and Conditions) terminate a lawyer's listing.

A. We're delighted when people can handle a legal issue themselves, using the information in one of our books or software products. But sometimes people want or need some expert advice about their particular situation -- something a book just can't provide. (All our books, in fact, point out situations in which it makes sense to consult an attorney or other expert.) We created our own lawyer directory because when customers asked us for names of good lawyers or even just how to go about finding a lawyer, we didn't have great answers for them. Our directory is the first one we know of that tries to give people enough information to really get a feel for the whether a particular lawyer or firm will be a good fit.

A. Email us the lawyer's name and phone number or email address. If the attorney becomes an advertising customer, we'll give you a free Nolo book of your choice (up to a $50 value).

For Lawyers or Firms

A. Yes. A reservation fee of $100 is required for attorney ads, or $250 for firm listings. (See Terms and Conditions for details.)

A. Prices depend on specific counties selected and legal practice categories (see Terms and Conditions for details). Upgrade options are also available -- for example, you can be listed in a larger market area or in multiple categories.

A. We think it provides good value. The phone book can cost thousands of dollars per month, while our pricing is also less than other major online directories.

A. About 10 million people visit nolo.com each year, giving us the highest consumer traffic of any legal website (others have lots of attorney traffic). Our visitors have one thing in common: legal issues. They come to Nolo because they respect and trust us. Nolo has 35 years of hard-earned goodwill and the best reputation of any consumer legal publisher.

A. If you sign up for month-to-month terms and aren't happy, you can quit at any time. Your credit card will no longer be charged after the end of the term month.

A. We instruct users to search first by county or zip code, then by legal practice category. All ads will be listed in the search results page.

A. There are hundreds and hundreds of legal subcategories -- too many for the average consumer to sort through. We simplify the process by having twelve major categories, and then a detailed list of subcategories so that consumers can double check that they are looking in the appropriate category. Each lawyer's profile makes the focus of that lawyer's practice crystal clear.

A. Priority placement is available for an additional fee, but space is limited (see Terms and Conditions).

A. Nolo.com already attracts 10 million visitors each year, with many of its web pages linking to the Lawyer Directory. The directory is promoted in Nolo's books, catalogs, software products and email newsletters. For additional exposure, we advertise in other media including newspaper and radio.

Q. Do I really have to answer all those questions in the profile?

A. Yes. We are committed to giving directory users the information they need to make a good choice. And it's your chance to shine -- to tell folks who you are, what you believe in, and how you can help.

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