How to read an attorney profile on LawyersIndex
Where the information on a LawyersIndex profile comes from, what each field means, and how to confirm it with the official state record. 4 min read
Every attorney profile on LawyersIndex starts from an official state attorney record. This guide explains each part of a profile, where it comes from, and its limits.
License and status
The license section shows the state the record came from, the attorney's registration or bar number (or a LawyersIndex ID if the state doesn't publish one; see what is a bar number), the status the state reported, and the year of admission. The status reflects the state's records as of our most recent update for that state. Status can change at any time, so use the official lookup link on the profile to confirm it before you rely on it.
Office location
The office shown is the business address in the state's records. For some states the records list only a city, so the profile shows the city and state and the map places the attorney at the center of that city. An attorney's office can be in a different state from their license.
Licensed in
When an attorney appears in more than one state's records we match them by name and other details and show every license we found, along with any additional licenses the attorney confirmed when claiming the profile. Matching across states isn't perfect, so a license may occasionally be missing. See lawyers licensed in another state.
Practice areas
Most states do not publish practice areas. When an attorney hasn't claimed their profile, practice-area tags come from state bar section memberships and board certifications where the state's records include them, and otherwise are inferred from the firm name. Treat unclaimed tags as a starting point, and ask the attorney what they handle. Attorneys who claim their profile choose their own practice areas.
Claimed profiles
An attorney can claim their profile by confirming their identity. Claimed profiles can add a website, a description and practice areas, and can choose whether to accept client reviews. Unclaimed profiles never show reviews.
Sponsored and featured listings
Paid placements are labeled "Sponsored" or "Featured". Paying for a listing never changes an attorney's license information or how other results are ordered by distance or name.
Corrections and removal
If information is wrong, attorneys can claim their profile to update it, or anyone can write to corrections@lawyersindex.com. Attorneys can ask to have their listing removed; removed attorneys stay off the site even when the state's records are updated. See Contact.
What a profile is not
A profile is not a recommendation or a rating. LawyersIndex is a directory, not a law firm or a lawyer referral service. Use the profile to find and check attorneys, then talk to them directly; see how to find the right lawyer.
Related guides
- What to do if you have a problem with your lawyer
- Attorney-client privilege and confidentiality, explained
- How to find the right lawyer for your legal problem
- How to check that a lawyer is licensed and in good standing
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and laws differ from state to state. For advice about your situation, talk to a lawyer licensed in your state. Last reviewed November 4, 2026.