Raising The Bar Don't settle for second best. Here are some tips for getting the most out of an attorney.

John Lennon once swore he wouldn't write a song about them.Harry Houdini remarked they did tricks even he couldn't figureout. They were both talking about lawyers. And if you haven'talready, you will eventually have to hire one.

An attorney can help you comply with the law, check out abusiness opportunity, prepare a wide array of legal documents,negotiate a deal, network with key players and, if things go awry,file or defend a lawsuit. As a practicing lawyer for more than 15years, here's my best advice for sizing up, hiring and managingattorneys:

1. Shop early. Competence and integrity vary.Don't wait until the day before the Big Deal to try to hire thebest. Compile a list of candidates. You can try the Yellow Pages, astandard legal directory such as Martindale-Hubbell LawDirectory, or a referral service, perhaps through a local barorganization. Your best leads, however, will probably come frompeople you know and trust. Ask around your business community. Talkto other professionals.