Looking for an attorney to draw up contracts with contractors, architects, and interior designers. Where do I start looking?

Oops… sorry. I thought this was spam. That wasn’t a real answer. I did up a big house that was built the turn of the century and almost left untouched. I hired a general contractor and he and his wife had it all on their shoulders.

Be sure to check out your contractors and make sure their license is up to date. Google, yelp or whatever you can about their reputation. A co worker hired a contractor to build a front porch. A year later it’s only partially built and he demanded the money up front. A reputable contractor won’t demand all the money up front. And his license was expired. I think getting a lawyer to look at the contract is a great idea. I never thought of doing that.

Much like those used by realtors, there are standardized contracts used in the construction industry. Look under AGC (Association of General Contractors) contract .

Between contractors and architects the standard form is usually an AIA (American Institute of Architects) contract. I am sure they have one for Architect/Owners as well.

I am sure something similar exists for Interior Designers. Check out (ASID) American Society of Interior Designers.

These standardized forms have evolved over years and will cover all needed aspects of the project. Anything out of the ordinary will be added under “Special Provisions”. This is what you need to pay particular attention to. Oh, and there are both short forms and long forms; use the long form.

Some attorneys are kind of sleazy. (Who knew?) I wanted an attorney who worked alone- not a large firm.. I had been burned in the past and didn’t want to have a bunch of extra attorneys around waiting to cash in on my cow. He worked with one other attorney and I was fine with that, so I hired him. A month later he quit and went to work for a large firm. There are a lot of special words to describe that type of person. Lawyer is the nicest.

Any general practice attorney will look over the contracts for you for a fee.

There are lawyers who specialize in contract law.
Have you checked with friends to see if anyone has reccommendations?
There is also Angie’s list, which lists referrals and feedback for businesses and professionals.

Yes, I know that these types of professionals all have standard forms. I just want an attorney, who is working for me, to look them over to protect my interests.
The problem is, like @snowberry says, many attorneys are sleazy and just plain money-hungry. Going to the bar association and asking for a name just doesn’t seem like a good way to go about finding an honest, upright, and competent attorney. Hence, my question.
Any jellies with experience in matters like this, please share. Thanks.

While this seems like a huge deal to you, looking over a building contract is not a big project for an attorney who does general law. You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. I hope you are going out of town while the project is going on because it might drive you nuts to be around. They hate when you try to tell them they are using the wrong nails. Good luck.

@MollyMcGuire Thank you for your advice. No worries, I’m not knowledgeable enough to tell somebody they’re using the wrong nails, LOL.
I do have experience with sleazy attorneys. The one who did my parents’ will and trust was a prime example.

Surely you know someone locally who can recommend a lawyer that they’ve used or actually know one there in your own city. The local bar usually has a referral service as well.

@MollyMcGuire That referral service does not guarantee a good attorney. It’s just gives you the contact information of somebody who happens to practice law on the topic and in the area that you need assistance. That’s how I found my sleazeball attorney!

Hi! You’ve been given a lot of useful advice here. I think you realized that working with contractors with an outdated license is stupid. But it is no less stupid to work with bad lawyers