California Attorney Search:
Work With The Best!
Certified by the California State Bar and nationally recognized by the American Bar Association, 1000Attorneys.com has served as an official and trusted Lawyer Referral Service since 2005.
Choosing an attorney who lacks integrity or competence can lead to financial loss, legal setbacks, and emotional distress.
" When seeking legal representation in California, avoiding self-serving and unreliable lawyer advertising is crucial."
Request a free lawyer referral and personalized legal consultation—get a response within minutes.
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18,000
Cases were filed against California attorneys and people holding themselves out fraudulently as attorneys in 2024. A 5% increase from 2023.
$8.3M
The amount reimbursed by the California State Bar to 438 victims of attorney misconduct in 2024. A 224.3% increase from the previous year.
800+
The California State Bar opened over 800 investigations last year into individuals accused of illegally acting as lawyers.
229
California attorneys were either disbarred or suspended for offenses involving serious dishonesty and/or fraud.
*Data obtained from The California State Bar's public records. Official discipline information can be found on an attorney’s individual profile.
Our Attorneys Have Won Multiple Industry Awards
What It Takes to Join Our California Legal Network
Credentials
We fact-check professional associations, degrees, awards, working experience, and continuing education requirements.
Ethics
Our team conducts criminal background checks and verifies that each attorney is in good standing with the California State Bar at all times.
Performance
Attorneys are required to submit progress reports while they work on your case. We monitor his/her performance until your case is resolved.
Legal Fees & Settlements
We also ensure attorneys in our network charge reasonable legal fees and that settlement awards are disbursed on time and in full to our clients.
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Officially Certified by the State Bar of California and Endorsed by the American Bar Association
The State Bar of California serves as the official regulatory authority responsible for overseeing attorney admissions, licensing, and disciplinary actions.
However, while it plays a critical role in maintaining professional standards, it is not authorized to provide legal advice or make direct attorney referrals for individuals seeking legal representation in specific cases.
This restriction exists to preserve the Bar’s neutral, regulatory role and to avoid any conflict of interest, ensuring it remains an impartial overseer of attorney conduct rather than an advocate or intermediary in individual legal matters.
By contrast, 1000Attorneys.com operates as a California State Bar Certified Lawyer Referral and Information Service (Certification #0128) and is also recognized by the American Bar Association—a distinction held by only a select few services statewide, most of which are local bar associations with several decades of public service.
This dual recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to ethical, transparent, and client-focused referrals.
Unlike unregulated online directories and pay-to-play legal marketing platforms, our service adheres to strict State Bar rules. We do not accept payment for placement—every attorney in our network has been independently vetted for experience, professional conduct, disciplinary history, insurance coverage, and client satisfaction.
Our certification ensures that clients are connected with qualified, trustworthy legal professionals, while reinforcing our mission to expand access to affordable and high-quality legal services for all Californians. When legal representation matters most, trust a certified and nationally recognized source.
Client Reviews
“After my accident, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. My Attorney provided compassionate support and expertly handled my case from start to finish. Their dedication and attention to detail resulted in a fair settlement that exceeded my expectations. I’m incredibly grateful for their help during such a difficult time.”
— Sarah M.
“Facing wrongful termination was a stressful experience, but my Attorney made all the difference. They thoroughly explained my rights. Their strategic approach and persistent advocacy ensured a successful outcome. I highly recommend their services to anyone dealing with workplace issues.”
— James T.
“Navigating the probate process was daunting, but my Attorney provided clear guidance and unwavering support. They handled all the legal complexities with professionalism and empathy, making the entire experience much more manageable. I’m thankful for their expertise and heartfelt assistance during my family’s difficult time.”
— Linda K.
Attorney Growth vs. Complaints in California
Based on Public Records from 2004–2023
Growth of the Attorney Population in California
Over the past 20 years, the number of licensed attorneys in California has steadily increased—from approximately 140,000 in 2004 to nearly 200,000 in 2023. This growth reflects both the state’s rising population and the expanding demand for legal services. As the legal profession grows, so does the need for strong oversight to maintain ethical standards and protect public trust in the justice system.
The Rise in Public Complaints Against California Attorneys
Public complaints submitted to the State Bar of California against attorneys have steadily increased over the past two decades, rising from 8,500 in 2004 to 13,700 in 2023. These figures represent all complaints filed, regardless of whether they resulted in disciplinary action. This upward trend reflects growing public scrutiny and underscores the critical need for oversight, transparency, and access to thoroughly vetted, ethical legal representation.
Avoid Legal Pitfalls
The Value of Hiring Pre-Screened California Lawyers
Hiring vetted California attorneys is crucial to ensuring legal representation that adheres to high professional standards and protects clients' interests and well-being. This is especially important given the high number of disciplinary actions against attorneys in California.
Legal professionals heavily rely on advertising mediums such as billboards, television, and the Internet to promote their services. While these marketing efforts often portray an image of competence and reliability, the reality may not always align with these portrayals.
Consider the case of Tom Girardi, a prominent Los Angeles personal injury lawyer. Despite extensive advertising campaigns and his standing in the legal community suggesting trustworthiness, Girardi faced severe repercussions for embezzling over $18 million from his clients' settlement awards.
Relying solely on advertisements to select legal representation can result in detrimental outcomes, as evidenced by the financial losses suffered by some of his clients. Thus, individuals must conduct thorough research when choosing legal counsel, prioritizing qualities such as competence, ethical integrity, and commitment to client welfare.
How It Works
Find The Best California Lawyer For Your Case In Three Steps
STEP ONE →
Submit your legal claim 24/7 by clicking the FREE CASE review button on top of our page.
STEP TWO →
Our legal team will match you with the best attorney near you based on your case details.
STEP THREE ✔︎
Receive a complementary referral to a vetted local attorney in less than 10 minutes.
California Employment Law
Having skilled legal representation is of the utmost importance regarding California employment law. California has some of the most extensive and employee-friendly labor laws in the United States.
California employment law is complex and ever-evolving, covering everything from wage and hour regulations to protections against workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, and harassment. Navigating these laws can be challenging without the guidance of an experienced California employment law attorney.
A vetted local lawyer specializing in California employment law can help you understand your rights, assess the strength of your claims, and guide you through the legal process.
They will protect your rights, fight for fair compensation if you have experienced workplace violations, and advocate for your best interests. With their expertise, you can confidently navigate the intricacies of California employment law and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
California Personal Injury Law
Legal representation is not just helpful—it’s essential when pursuing a personal injury claim in California. According to the California State Bar, personal injury is the area of law with the highest incidence of attorney misconduct, making it absolutely critical to choose a lawyer who has been thoroughly vetted for ethics, competence, and client satisfaction.
California’s personal injury laws are complex and cover a wide range of situations, including car accidents, motorcycle collisions, slip-and-fall incidents, and more. Navigating these legal challenges and securing fair compensation requires the guidance of an experienced, ethical attorney who understands the nuances of this high-risk legal field.
By working with a pre-screened personal injury lawyer, you ensure that your case is handled by someone who meets strict professional standards. A qualified attorney will assess your unique situation, gather crucial evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight to protect your rights every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can I look up a lawyer in California?
A: You can verify a lawyer’s license and disciplinary history using the Attorney Search Tool on the California State Bar website. This tool allows you to check whether a lawyer is licensed to practice and if they have any history of disciplinary action or administrative status changes. While some information, like pending investigations, may not be publicly available, it’s a good starting point to ensure your attorney is in good standing.
Q2: Do your attorneys accept cases on a contingency basis?
A: Yes — if your case involves employee-side employment law or a personal injury claim, it qualifies for contingency representation.
Q3: How can I get free legal advice in California?
A: Some legal aid organizations offer free help, but many are understaffed and can’t provide full representation. You’ll find a list of trusted legal aid groups in our Self-Help section. If you only have an inquiry, use our site's Free Case Review option and select “I have a simple question” to access low-cost legal guidance.
Q4: Who is the best attorney in California?
A: There’s no single “best” attorney in California, as the right lawyer depends on your specific legal needs and the area of law involved. However, one of the biggest advantages of using a State Bar-certified and American Bar Association-approved lawyer referral service is access to a vetted network of highly qualified attorneys. These lawyers are selected based on their proven track record of excellence, ethics, transparency, client satisfaction, and success rate—so you’re more likely to be matched with someone truly equipped to handle your case.