Should I Hire a Lawyer? Free Self-Assessment
Hiring a lawyer is rarely binary — there's small-claims (no lawyer), unbundled / limited-scope representation (one hearing, flat fee), full representation (hourly or contingency), and free legal aid for income-qualified cases. This quiz tells you which lane you're actually in based on the type of dispute, the dollar amount, and your state's rules on limited-scope practice.
At a glance
- Limited-scope ("unbundled") representation is allowed in 41 states — pay $300–$800 for one hearing instead of a $5,000 retainer.
- Income at or below 125% of the federal poverty line qualifies for LSC-funded legal aid in every state.
- Median attorney hourly rates: $250 (rural Texas) to $800 (Manhattan).
- Med-mal cases require an affidavit of merit at filing in 28 states — making them effectively no-DIY zones.
- Court self-help centers are free — California requires every superior court to operate one (CCP § 68651).
Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer
Pick your state to begin
The pilot covers California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. Additional states roll out as we finish per-state legal verification — no estimates, no scraped numbers.
What the quiz covers
The quiz weighs four factors: (1) claim complexity (does this require a sworn affidavit, expert witness, or jury trial?), (2) dollar amount at stake, (3) whether your state authorizes limited-scope representation, and (4) whether you qualify for legal aid based on household income. It returns a recommendation plus the actual local providers — court self-help center, lawyer-referral service, legal-aid org.
What it doesn't do
It doesn't replace a consultation. Most state bar lawyer-referral services offer a 30-minute paid consult ($25–$50) — that's the right next step if the quiz says "hire counsel." The quiz tells you which question to ask, not what the answer will be in your specific case.
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