Imagine this: you’re having your morning coffee and then, bam! A legal problem crashes your party like an unexpected karaoke duet. The tree in your neighbor’s yard just crushed your car. Or maybe your cousin’s little business needs a real contract yesterday. It’s not possible to play the classic game of phone tag with lawyers who work for word of mouth. So, you type “local attorneys online” into that search engine that is so helpful. See more on localattorneysonline.com

Now, things become exciting. A lot of results come up. Some websites look like they haven’t changed since the dot-com bubble, while others are full of legalese and photos of people with flawlessly styled hair. But how do you know who really knows what they’re talking about? You want someone close by, but you also want someone who understands your situation. The goal of this game is to find the right person to help you with your puzzle with as little trouble as possible.

People are inherently suspicious. We want proof, but we adore stories. You could find reports that sound more like dramatic stories than the results of a court case. Have you ever seen that? “This lawyer saved my pet iguana!” or “This lawyer was a lifesaver when the HOA went crazy!” Don’t take these bits of information too seriously. Passionate reviews aren’t always the best way to tell how good someone is, but let’s be honest, they’re enjoyable to read.

Online directories of lawyers strive to help. You key in your zip code, choose your problem, and a list appears. But not all directories are the same. Some will pick up anyone who has a license and a heartbeat. The greatest sites let you read short bios. A video, maybe. Maybe a way to talk to each other. The problem is, the human touch is still really important, even when it’s through a computer screen. You can sometimes tell if a lawyer is on the same page as you just by reading a few lines of their bio.

Sure, getting in touch with lawyers through internet media does open doors. But don’t forget to use your common sense. Give them a quick call. Are they truly paying attention to what you’re saying, or are they just throwing around legal terms? Give them enough information to get help, but don’t tell them your grandmother’s secret pie recipe until you trust them.

Some people are worried about their safety and privacy. That’s not dumb. Messages sent to and from reputable internet law firms are encrypted. You can locate privacy rules, but they are usually in small text at the bottom. Ask about these items. You can! Your information is very important.

Looking for legal help online is a lot like online dating, except with less fun paperwork and more boring dinners. Having similar beliefs, being able to communicate well, and being available are the most important things. Don’t just go after the first search result. The proper lawyer for your tree or car problem may be on the second page of the listings. The web is a huge area.

In short, the old phone book has been superseded by the internet for finding local lawyers. It’s quick. There is competition. Sometimes it seems strange. But if you ask the right questions and pay attention, you can find a partner who will stand up for you without having to do a song and dance.