The 4-1-1 on Lawyer Directories

Abstract

How can opposing counsel, a potential client, or a job-seeker find contact information for and biographical information about a lawyer? Generations turned to the massive bound volumes of Martindale-Hubbell. But technology and a changing marketplace now present many alternative sources, including law firms' websites, bar association directories, and online versions of Martindale-Hubbell.

To compare some of the online directories, I undertook a small study, drawing a sample from the Washington State Bar Association's directory and looking for information about those lawyers in martindale.com, lawyers.findlaw.com, avvo.com, and linkedin.com. The depth and breadth of coverage varies dramatically. The sample, although small, offers an interesting snapshot of the bar in terms of practice area, state of residence, and nature of practice. This small study may suggest to others further, more rigorous projects.

The PDF here, in addition to the published paper, includes spreadsheets with notes from my searches, for those curious enough to want to skim them.