As with doctors, babysitters and termite inspectors, word of mouth is often the best way to find a good lawyer. Ask friends and family members if they can recommend someone from experience.
Beyond that, consider looking for a lawyer who is board-certified by the Florida Bar in the appropriate specialty, whether it's real estate, divorce or something else. Do not confuse this with the Florida Bar's "lawyer referral service," which does not require participating lawyers to be board-certified.
Here is information on some ratings services, certification groups and "best lawyer" lists:
Group/Number of Florida members/Information
Board-certified lawyers, Florida Bar/3,800/ www.flabar.org or 1-800-342-8060 ext. 5
Board-certified lawyers, National Board of Trial Advocacy/400/ www.nbtanet.org
