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Printer-Friendly Last Updated: 1/11/08 How to Find an Attorney

FINRA Dispute Resolution staff members are often asked to make recommendations or referrals regarding legal representation. In our capacity as impartial administrators of this alternative dispute resolution forum, rather than specific recommendations, we can offer the following guidance:

For general information on obtaining legal assistance, we suggest you contact your state, county, or city bar association.

The American Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service to help individuals find the appropriate help for their legal problems. You can learn more about this legal referral service by visiting the American Bar Association Web site or by calling (800) 285-2221.

If you need help in finding a lawyer, you can review the guidance provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC Web site offers information about bar associations and other directories of attorneys who specialize in securities complaints.

Clinics—Several law schools in California, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania provide legal representation through securities arbitration clinics. These clinics help parties who have smaller claims and who are unable to hire a lawyer. Parties need to determine if they qualify for help from a clinic; some clinics will not handle claims above a set amount, or if your household income is too high. Please check directly with each clinic for information.

Investors who live outside California, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania may be able to request help from the clinics. Please check directly with each clinic for information.

You can learn more about these clinics at the SEC Web site. You may also contact any of the arbitration clinics listed below for additional information.

Click on each State for detailed eligibility requirements and information about the clinics:

California

• University of San Francisco

Illinois

• Northwestern University

New York

• Albany Law School
• Brooklyn Law School
• Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
• Cornell University Law School
• Fordham University School of Law
• Hofstra School of Law
• New York Law School
• Pace University School of Law John Jay Legal Services
• State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law
• St. John's University School of Law
• Syracuse University College of Law

Pennsylvania

• Duquesne University School of Law - Pittsburgh, PA