Start with the State Bar of Texas Website
The State Bar of Texas regulates all licensed attorneys in the state. Their online attorney lookup tool is the most reliable place to check a lawyer’s:
- Bar license number
- Status (active, inactive, suspended)
- Law school and graduation year
- Areas of practice
- Disciplinary history
🔍 How to Use It:
- Go to www.texasbar.com
- Click “Find a Lawyer” at the top of the homepage
- Enter the lawyer’s name, city, or bar number
- Review their profile
Look for an “eligible to practice in Texas” status and note any disciplinary history listed at the bottom.
Review Disciplinary Actions or Complaints
The State Bar also lists any public disciplinary history, including:
- Reprimands
- Suspensions
- Disbarment
- Grievances
If a lawyer has been formally disciplined, it will appear on their profile. You can also search by firm to see whether a practice has had complaints.
🧠 Pro Tip: Not all complaints are serious — but repeat or recent ones may be a red flag.
👉 Learn more: What Makes a Good Lawyer?
Check Client Reviews and Testimonials
While not official, client feedback can offer real-world insight into:
- Communication habits
- Professionalism
- Honesty and transparency
- Case results
Where to look:
- Google Reviews
- Avvo.com
- Yelp (for some firms)
- Social media
🔗 See our San Antonio Lawyer Spotlights to find client-favorite attorneys with proven track records.
Ask the Lawyer Directly During Your Consultation
Don’t be afraid to ask questions like:
- “Are you currently licensed and in good standing with the Texas Bar?”
- “Have you ever been disciplined by the Bar?”
- “Can you provide references or recent client testimonials?”
A trustworthy attorney will welcome your questions and answer them clearly.
👉 Use our checklist: What Should I Ask During a Lawyer Consultation?
Verify Credentials for Specialized Legal Areas
Some lawyers claim specialties like:
- Board-certified family law
- Criminal defense specialization
- Immigration accreditation
If a lawyer claims board certification, you can verify it through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) at www.tbls.org.
Only attorneys with additional training and testing may use the title “Board Certified.”
Be Wary of Red Flags
Watch for warning signs such as:
- Refusing to provide licensing info
- Pressuring you to sign quickly
- Vague billing or fee structure
- Disbarment or multiple suspensions
If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to look elsewhere. You deserve legal representation you can trust.
Find Verified Lawyers in San Antonio
Use our San Antonio Lawyer Directory to browse attorneys by:
- Practice area
- Languages spoken
- Client reviews
- Fee structure and location
Each listing includes verification information and helpful links to check credentials.