Find a Lawyer If you're looking for a lawyer in Westchester County, NY, select an attorney from our list of lawyers in Ardsley, Bedford, Katonah, Larchmont, Mt. Kisco, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers, Yorktown Heights, or other locations in Westchester County, NY. Do you need a Bankruptcy lawyer, Estate and Probate lawyer, Family lawyer, General lawyer, or Personal Injury lawyer? If you are planning to buy or sell a home, select a Real Estate lawyer from our comprehensive Directory of Lawyers.

Select an Attorney
Before selecting an attorney, research the area of law in which you are interested. As an example, type the following into a search: Property law, Real Estate law, Child Custody law, DUI law, etc. Read and learn about the area of law to which your circumstances apply. You are not expected to become proficient in this area of law - that is why you are hiring an attorney. However, this exercise will help you to formulate questions and prepare you for your first consultation visit.

Find a Lawyer Using the Internet
Once you've established a basic understanding of the area of law in which you are interested - start looking for the right attorney to represent you. Find a list of lawyers in your town or county. Once again, use the Internet to help you. If you live in Yonkers and are looking for an attorney close by, type: lawyers in yonkers. If you want to find the best attorney in Westchester, type: lawyers in westchester county. Or if looking for a lawyer in White Plains, type: lawyers in white plains. You can narrow your search by entering both the location and area of law for which you need a lawyer. For example: real estate lawyer white plains, divorce lawyer white plains, employment lawyer white plains, etc. Or, to find a lawyer in White Plains Select a lawyer and then select White Plains, NY.

Find a Lawyer through your Community
In addition to using the Internet to help you find a lawyer, you may also want to ask friends, local organizations, or religious leader for lawyer referrals. Once you have list of lawyers to call - check them out. Look at their websites and be sure to see if they have experience in your particular area of law. The attorney's website may also list the type of clients they typically represent in addition to information about each lawyer in their law firm.

New York State Bar Association
Be sure to check if the lawyer you've selected is reputable. Contact you state bar association to verify the qualifications of the lawyer. If you can't afford to pay a lawyer, there may be a legal services association that can help. Military Personnel may be able to get free legal advice.

Schedule a Consultation with Lawyer
Once you've narrowed your search to a few names of lawyers that may be able to handle your situation, schedule a meeting with one or more of the lawyers. Be sure to have a list of questions and concerns ready to discuss. Write down any issues you may have. Don't rely on your memory since you are often distressed in this type of situation and may not be able to remember all of your concerns. Your consultation visit is very important. Note down your likes and dislikes.

Consider all Issues and Ask Questions
Before scheduling your consultation ask "How much is the consultation fee?" Some law firms do not charge for a consultation. During the consultation:


Discuss all foreseeable costs:


Does the lawyer charge by the hour - If yes, how much? Is there a non-refundable retainer fee?

Will the attorney take this case on a contingency basis? If you do not want to pay by the hour and/or do not have the money to pay an up-front retainer - the lawyer may agree to a contingency fee. Contingency fees are typically in the range of 20% to 40%.

Who pays for other costs? Other costs may include: Clerical costs (copying, research, compiling exhibits, deposition fees (interviewing witnesses), Court fees (if applicable), expert witness fees . . .


Ask about your specific area of law. How often has this lawyer handled this area of law. What percentage of lawyer's practice involves this law discipline? For example: What percentage of this practice involves Real Estate clients? What percentage of this practice handle Child Custody cases?

When you first meet, let the lawyer initiate the conversation and questions. Try to relax and learn about this lawyer and their law firm. Often, a lawyer will want to learn about you as much as you want to learn about her/him. At the end of the meeting, determine if you feel comfortable and confident about both the lawyer and the law firm?


You are looking for the best practical legal advice. In order for this to happen, be sure that you are prepared for your consultation. Bring in any and all relevant documents, notes, and anything you think will clarify and explain your particular situation. Remember that you are in a special conversation protected by lawyer-client confidentiality. Do NOT leave any information out. Tell the lawyer everything relevant, even if you end up selecting another attorney.



At the end of the consultations process you should be able to select a lawyer.

Once you've selected your lawyer you will be given a retainer agreement. Do not sign this document until you fully understand all legal implications of the document.

Once you and your attorney have agreed to work together, your lawyer will direct you in how to proceed. Exchange emails, phone numbers, and keep all lines of communication open and on a regular basis as you proceed with your case.

Visit lawyers in Westchester County for more information.