You never know when you might need a lawyer -- or especially when you need urgent legal advice for your art business. So, it’s a good idea to have a name and a card handy so you can call someone when the need arises.

Try these three tips for finding the right lawyer:

1. Ask for Referrals

The best place to start is by working your network. Seek referrals and talk to other artists, business people in the community, and neighbors. Many lawyers will talk to artists free of charge to make sure it’s the right fit.

2. Check out Arts Nonprofits

Another way to find a good lawyer and get a referral is to use arts nonprofit connections. Many artists are involved in nonprofits or are on nonprofit boards. This means they have access to people committed to helping nonprofit members. Nonprofits are an excellent resource to find someone at a good rate.

3. Go Pro Bono

Many lawyers do some sort of pro bono work or offer reduced rates for causes they are interested in. It is part of a lawyer’s ethical guidelines that he or she does a certain amount of pro bono work. This is helpful for most artists, especially emerging artists that have small margins, who can’t afford to pay full lawyer fees.

Still wondering if a lawyer is necessary? Check out Save Your Studio: 5 Reasons Why Artists Need Lawyers.