Seeking Counsel Closing on a big deal and need an attorney? Here's how to find a deal-maker, not a deal-breaker.

Forget the lawyer jokes. If you're making any kind of sizable deal, you'll need an attorney (maybe a few) in your corner. And while my fellow lawyers at the bar may have a reputation for being arrogant, pushy, callous and sneaky, I guarantee you'll be far more forgiving when you've got a sharp one working for you.

Many people think that all lawyers earn their living in court. Not true. Transactional lawyers specialize in making deals, usually in a chosen area of expertise. They're the people to ask when you need help complying with the law, legal due diligence, business advice, a negotiator, an administrative point person, formal paperwork and/or a "player." And as in every other area, good help is hard to find.

Frankly, I feel sorry for anyone shopping for a lawyer. It's always tough for a member of the laity to evaluate the integrity and competence of an expert. This is especially true with lawyers, whose language and end product are not particularly user-friendly. So prospective clients try their best: They get recommendations, call referral services, study legal directories, visit Web sites and check with the state bar. The more sophisticated ones even try to find a specialist with the right temperament: a diligent draftsman for details, a diplomat to massage a cranky opponent or a hard-charger to do battle.