Quick answer: To use the State Bar of Texas attorney search, go to texasbar.com, choose Find a Lawyer, and search by last name or State Bar number. Open the profile to see whether the attorney is eligible to practice in Texas and whether any public discipline is listed. It is free and takes about two minutes.
Before you hire an attorney in Texas, take two minutes to confirm they are licensed and in good standing. The State Bar of Texas lists every licensed attorney in a free online directory, along with any public discipline. Here is exactly how to check, what the results mean, and what to do if something looks wrong.
In this guide
How to look up a Texas attorney, step by step
Step 1: Open the State Bar of Texas directory
Go to texasbar.com and choose Find a Lawyer. The directory is free and covers every attorney licensed in Texas.
Step 2: Search by name or bar number
Search by last name (add a first name or city to narrow it down), or by State Bar number if you have it. Make sure you have the right person. Common names can return dozens of results.
Step 3: Check the license status
Open the attorney’s profile and confirm the status shows they are eligible to practice in Texas.
Step 4: Look for public discipline
Public disciplinary actions are listed on the attorney’s online profile. If anything is listed, read the details before you decide.
Step 5: Confirm the details match
Compare the name, firm, and city on the profile with the business card, website, or engagement letter you were given.
How to look up a Texas bar number
Every Texas attorney has a State Bar number. It is the most reliable way to confirm you have the right person, especially with a common name.
- Find a lawyer's bar number: search the attorney by name in the State Bar of Texas Find a Lawyer directory. The bar number appears on their profile.
- Look up a bar number you already have: enter the number in the same directory to pull up the attorney it belongs to, then check that the name, firm and city match what you were told.
- Ask directly: many attorneys print their bar number on their website, letterhead or fee agreement. A licensed attorney should give it to you without hesitation.
What the attorney profile tells you
A State Bar profile typically shows:
- State Bar number: a unique number assigned when the attorney was admitted. It never changes, so it is the most reliable way to identify someone.
- License status and the date the attorney was licensed in Texas
- Firm and practice location
- Practice areas: note that these are generally self-reported
- Board certification, if the attorney holds one
- Public disciplinary history, if any
License status: what it means
| What you see | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Eligible to practice in Texas | The attorney is licensed and in good standing. This is what you want to see. |
| Not eligible to practice | The attorney cannot currently practice law in Texas. This can be because of an inactive status, a suspension (including administrative suspension for unpaid bar dues), resignation, or disbarment. Do not hire them for a Texas matter. |
| Inactive | The attorney is a member of the Bar but is not practicing. An inactive attorney cannot represent you. |
Checking disciplinary history
The State Bar publishes public disciplinary actions, such as public reprimands, suspensions, and disbarments, on the attorney’s online profile. A few things to know:
- Pending grievances are confidential. A clean profile means there is no public discipline. It does not mean no one has ever complained.
- Older judgments may not appear on the profile. The State Bar says older public judgments can be requested from the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel at judgmentscdc@texasbar.com.
- Context matters. A single old private matter is different from a recent suspension. Read what happened and when.
Board certification and other credentials
All licensed Texas attorneys can practice in any area of law, but some go further. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys in specific areas, such as personal injury trial law, family law, and criminal law. Certification requires substantial experience in that area, peer references, and passing an exam, so it is a meaningful credential when it matches your case.
Other things worth checking:
- Experience with your type of case: ask how many similar matters they have handled recently, and how they turned out.
- Client reviews on Google and legal directories. Look for patterns, not one-off complaints.
- Who will actually work on your case: the attorney you meet, an associate, or a paralegal.
- Fees in writing: hourly rate, flat fee, or contingency percentage, plus who pays case expenses. Our guide to personal injury lawyer costs in Texas explains contingency fees.
Red flags
- You cannot find the attorney in the State Bar directory, or the name does not match.
- They will not give you their State Bar number.
- They guarantee a specific result or settlement amount.
- They push you to sign immediately, or will not put the fee agreement in writing.
- Someone contacted you uninvited right after an accident to offer legal services. Texas restricts that kind of solicitation.
Problems with a lawyer: CAAP vs. a grievance
The State Bar offers two different paths, depending on how serious the problem is:
Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP)
CAAP is a confidential State Bar service that helps clients and lawyers resolve minor problems, like unreturned calls or a misunderstanding about the case, before they turn into formal complaints. It cannot give legal advice, get you a refund, or force your lawyer to take a specific action. The CAAP helpline is (800) 932-1900.
Filing a grievance
A grievance is a formal report of unethical conduct, such as taking money and not doing the work, dishonesty, or neglecting your case. Grievances are filed with the State Bar of Texas (see texasbar.com) and handled by the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel. You cannot use CAAP and a grievance at the same time. For general questions, the State Bar can be reached at (800) 204-2222.
A grievance can lead to discipline, but it will not decide your underlying case or recover money. For that, you may need to talk to another attorney.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to check a lawyer’s license in Texas?
Yes. The State Bar of Texas directory at texasbar.com is free and does not require an account.
Where do I find a lawyer’s State Bar number?
It is on the attorney’s State Bar profile, and many attorneys list it on their website, business card, or engagement letter. You can also simply ask; a legitimate attorney will tell you.
How do I check if a Texas lawyer is board certified?
Board certification is separate from a law license. Search the attorney on the Texas Board of Legal Specialization website, which lists attorneys certified in areas such as family law, criminal law and personal injury trial law. Certification may also show on the attorney's State Bar profile.
Can I search for Texas attorneys by city or practice area?
Yes. The State Bar of Texas Find a Lawyer directory lets you narrow results by location and other details. Practice areas on profiles are generally self-reported, so ask any attorney about their experience with your type of case before you hire.
Does a clean record mean the lawyer is good?
It means there is no public discipline on file, which is a good start. It does not tell you about their experience, communication, or results, so check those separately.
Can I check whether a law firm is legitimate?
Look up the individual attorneys at the firm, not just the firm name. Every lawyer who will work on your case should be licensed in Texas.
How is this different from checking a plumber or contractor?
Each profession has its own licensing body. Attorneys are licensed through the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Supreme Court; plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. See our guides on checking a plumber’s license, a dentist’s license and a chiropractor’s license in Texas.
Looking for a lawyer in your city?
We have local guides for Abilene, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Wichita Falls, Lubbock, Amarillo, Waco, and Tyler. Whoever you hire, run the five-step check above first.
TrustedProsTX is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We do not recommend or endorse any attorney. Participating attorneys are not charged to receive requests. Sending a request does not create an attorney-client relationship. Directory features and contact details can change; confirm current information on texasbar.com.