Do you need a lawyer? Do you want to file for bankruptcy? Then you'll need a great Long Island bankruptcy lawyer!

Here are some tips to help you find the right lawyer for your needs:

First, ask around. Ask family and friends if they know of an attorney who specializes in Long Island bankruptcy. If they do, ask if they felt satisfied with the counsel the lawyer provided. Ask them to be specific (if they feel comfortable). Did the attorney return their calls or e-mails promptly? Were they happy with the results of their case? Do they feel the attorney listened to their concerns and addressed them. Did the lawyer keep them up-to-date on their proceedings?

If no one you knows can recommend someone, your next step should be to head to your county's branch of your state's bar association or your local chapter of the American Bar Association. Many bar associations offer a free lawyer referral service. Many attorneys listed, in fact, may offer a 30-minute free consultation

If you still haven't found a Long Island bankruptcy lawyer with whom you feel comfortable, head to your county's courthouse and watch some bankruptcy cases to see some attorneys in action. Court proceedings are almost always open to the public. Turn off your cell phone/pager and be respectful. It's also a good idea to leave your children elsewhere (and we don't mean out in the hallway).

As you watch the proceedings unfold, watch how the lawyers conduct themselves. Are they respectful, are they conducting themselves professionally? Do they appear to know what they're doing? Are they prepared?

If you find a Long Island bankruptcy lawyer with whom you'd like to meet with later, ask for contact information during a break. Then call his or her office and make appointments Many attorneys offer free initial consultations, but if you really liked what you saw, it could be worth your while to pay the consultation fee at your initial meeting. You should meet, by the way, with at least three attorneys before making your decision.

Be prepared for your consultations. Have a set of questions ready to ask. You'll want to know how many years a lawyer has been practicing, how successful he or she has been and what kind of experience the attorney has with cases such as yours.

Don't be shy about asking the attorney about his or her fees.

If you feel you're being pressured to make a decision right there, walk away. Any good lawyer won't try to rush you to make a decision.

Choosing the right attorney for your Long Island bankruptcy could be one of the most important decisions you ever make. For more information on how to find and vet a lawyer, take a look around our website, BlutterandBlutter.com. Or, better yet, give our offices a call. We look forward to hearing from you!