Gillian,

Each state has a Bar Association. (That's the lawyers' professional association.) The Bar Association should also have a lawyer referral service. In the city where I live, I called the referral service from the Bar Association.

They ask you questions in order to see what kind of lawyer you need, and then they get back to you in a day or two with the name of a lawyer who is willing to meet with you for a half hour consultation for a minimal fee. (I think it's $35. If it's a personal injury case, they don't even charge.) The referral service sets up an appointment for you.

You need to go prepared with your questions and later you can decide if this lawyer is a good fit for you or not. There is no obligation, and you can get a lot of information.

And if they are referred by the Bar Association, they need to have a good record, I assume.

Good luck.
ShellyK