Beginning your search may seem a bit daunting, considering the number of practicing lawyers out there. But it's not so bad if you know where to start.

References
When hiring any contracted professional, consulting those you trust is always the best place to start. Ask colleagues, other business owners, and friends if they could refer you to a lawyer they were happy with.

If you count lawyers among your friends - even if they aren't necessarily corporate lawyers - all the better. Ask them who they'd recommend.

Bar Associations
Most bar associations, most of which are accessible online, offer referral services. If you can't locate your local bar associations on the Internet, they should be listed in the phone book.

Directories
You can find attorney directories both online and in your local library. Directories allow you to conduct searches based on location and specialties. This searching method, however, is basic and not as reliable as going by recommendations.

Want to look up a particular lawyer's credentials? The Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, available in most libraries, contains an extensive record of lawyers' educational backgrounds, how long they have practiced and their areas of specialization.