The time to choose a lawyer is before you need one.  When you are in crisis, and need legal services immediately, its probably too late!  

Central New Jersey Legal Services is a good place to start.  You can build a relationship with their lawyers and obtain advice before things get out of hand.  But how can you determine if they are the lawyers with whom you can build a long-term relationship. 

Experience: The lawyers you choose should have extensive legal experience in your area.  For example, if you are a landlord, then the lawyers should have extensive real estate experience in the market where you own real estate. 

Reputation: Ask for references.  History often repeats itself.  If a law firm has lots of happy customers, you are likely to be satisfied.

Education: Make sure that your lawyer has a degree from an accredited law school and has passed the bar.  The American Bar Association maintains a list of law schools it has approved on its website.

Personality: Meet the lawyers at the firm.  If you like them, chances are that a judge and jury will also like them.  Trust your gut instinct.

Cost: Compare costs.  The amount firms charge can vary widely and is often negotiable.