The Office of Administrative Law Judges does not appoint representatives, refer parties to representatives, or provide legal assistance. 29 C.F.R. § 18.17. Therefore, if you would like to obtain legal services, you must hire an attorney or non-attorney representative yourself. While legal representation is not required to pursue your claim before OALJ, it is recommended that you obtain legal counsel because of the potential complexity of legal issues often present in cases adjudicated by OALJ.

This page provides some options in finding legal representative. It is not a complete list of the available options. Moreover, the suggestions and links provided on this page are for informational purposes only. The Department of Labor does not endorse or warrant the performance of any particular organization, lawyer, lay representative, or law firm.

Getting Started

A good way to begin a search for legal representation is to ask trusted friends, relatives, or business associates if they know of a reputable attorney or representative. You can also find an attorney by consulting a local telephone directory, or your state’s bar association website. State bar websites generally have resources for members of the public looking for an attorney. Be aware that each legal case is different and not all lawyers may be suited for your specific legal problem. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations, but not always, so make sure you ask if you will be charged for consultation services. If you are unfamiliar with how to work with an attorney, the American Bar Association's Find Legal Help(link is external) page is a good resource.

Lawyer Referral Services

Another way to find an attorney is to contact a local Lawyer Referral Service, which is an organization designed to help direct you to an attorney who might be suited to represent you in the type of case you have.