How to Find the Best Small Claims Lawyer in Arizona

Are you looking for a lawyer to help you with your Arizona small claims case? In this guide, we break down how to find a lawyer.

Legal Aid is a service that provides free or low-cost legal help to very low-income individuals who cannot afford a lawyer.  Legal Aid attorneys or organizations offer pro-bono services, aiming to ensure that everyone has access to justice, even if they don’t have the money to pay for legal representation. Legal Aid is often funded by government grants, charities, and donations.  

Here are links to some of the main legal aid offices across Arizona, which provide low-cost or free legal assistance for those who qualify:

In Arizona, lawyers can't represent either side during a small claims hearing (unless both sides agree, see § 22-512(D)). However, talking to a lawyer beforehand can be very helpful, especially for more complicated cases. A lawyer can help analyze your case and help you build a stronger argument to prove your case in court.

Like all other professional services, don’t forget to read the lawyer’s reviews before you hire them. 

1. Google Reviews: Search for the lawyer or law firm’s name on Google, and you’ll see reviews and ratings left by clients.

2. Trustpilot:  You can find ratings for law firms and other companies that provide small claims court services. 

3. Avvo: Avvo is a popular website specifically for finding lawyer ratings and reviews. You can search by location (Arizona) and see how lawyers are rated, as well as client feedback.

4. Martindale-Hubbell: This is a legal directory that includes reviews, ratings, and credentials for many lawyers. It also has peer reviews from other lawyers, which can be useful.

5. Yelp: Lawyers and law firms are also reviewed on Yelp. 

6. State Bar of Arizona: The Arizona State Bar doesn’t provide reviews, but they can confirm if a lawyer has a valid license, through a Letter of Good Standing,  and check for any disciplinary action against a lawyer in Arizona. The fee for a Letter of Good Standing is $20. To request this letter, contact the Resource Center at 602.340.7239 or [email protected].

To request public discipline case records, contact: [email protected].  

These sites will give you a good idea of a lawyer’s reputation and client satisfaction.

Finding lawyers for small claims cases in Arizona (and many other places) can be challenging. Small claims cases typically involve lower financial stakes, so hiring a lawyer (and paying high attorney fees) often costs more than what you may win in court. This limited financial incentive also makes it challenging for attorneys to justify taking on small claims cases at rates that clients find affordable. 

Here is a list of reasons why it's hard to find a small claims lawyer in Arizona:

• Some lawyers charge on a contingency. A contingency means that the lawyer only gets paid a percentage of what you win if you win. The Arizona small claims limit is $3,500, so if you win, a lawyer may only get paid $1,050 (assuming they charge you 30%).

• According to the World Population Review, in Arizona, lawyers usually charge between $150 and $500 per hour, (average of $266 per hour) depending on their experience, specialty, and how complicated your case is. Lawyers often prefer to be hired for more than just a few hours, which can make hiring one for small claims tricky. For example, if you’re trying to get back a $2,000 security deposit, paying a lawyer half that amount wouldn’t be worth it financially.

• Most lawyers aren’t “small claims lawyers.” Small claims court is a type of court (other types are criminal or federal court). Lawyers don't tend to specialize in "small claims court"; instead, they specialize in a type of subject like landlord/tenant law, personal injury, or lemon law. When looking for a lawyer, you wouldn't necessarily look for a "small claims lawyer" but instead for a "landlord-tenant" lawyer who handles small claims cases. 

When looking for a small claims attorney in Arizona, here are key factors to consider to make sure you get the right support for your case:

1. Experience in Small Claims and Civil Matters: While small claims are simpler than other civil cases, it’s beneficial to find an attorney familiar with Arizona's small claims court procedures. Look for lawyers experienced in similar disputes, such as property damage, breach of contract, or unpaid debts, which are common in small claims court.

2. Willingness to Offer Limited-Scope Representation: Consider attorneys who offer limited-scope services, such as helping with filing paperwork, preparing evidence, and offering strategic advice. This type of assistance can be especially helpful if the attorney can prepare you to represent yourself confidently.

3. Affordable Rates or Flat Fees: Since small claims involve modest sums, high fees can outweigh the benefits of pursuing a case. Look for attorneys who offer initial consultations, flat fees, or limited-scope packages specifically designed for small claims cases. This keeps costs predictable and affordable.

4. Client Reviews and Success in Similar Cases: Reviews from previous clients can indicate an attorney’s effectiveness in small claims matters, even if they didn't appear in court. Look for feedback on how well they guided clients through self-representation, paperwork, and case preparation.

5. Availability and Responsiveness: Small claims cases often involve tight deadlines, so having an attorney who responds promptly to questions and paperwork requests is crucial. A lawyer who communicates well can help keep your case on track and ensure you meet court requirements.

These criteria help ensure that your chosen attorney will provide effective, affordable support tailored to Arizona’s small claims process. 

Before suing in small claims court, try to first resolve the issue out of court.  One way of doing this is by sending a demand letter. A demand letter is a formal letter that explains what happened and requests that the other party try to resolve the problem before you escalate to court.  It signals to the other side that you are serious about the issue and willing to take action to resolve it. 

If you file a small claims lawsuit, the judge might ask if you tried to settle the problem before going to court. A written demand letter shows you made an effort to resolve it and can be used as evidence in your case.