I’m going to give you a very valuable tip for finding a good lawyer, but first some back story:

Begin with the basic recognition that we are a nation built on the rule of law. Without the law, we are left without means to prevent conflict, or good recourse when someone does wrong to us. Freedom exists when we all have equal access to justice despite the desires of the largest group, or the most powerful people and organizations. But, it’s also true that we live in a complex world, and to deliver freedom and justice, we sometimes need the services of those who specialize in understanding and applying the law and the legal system. You most appreciate a lawyer when you need one.

When do you need one? Unlike criminal cases, no one is entitled to an appointed lawyer for a civil matter. Consider just some of the long list of critical problems that could require hiring a lawyer: Tenants facing wrongful eviction; women or children who are victims of domestic violence; veterans and military families seeking assistance; workers denied earned benefits or wages; the elderly needing protection; and so on.

But, needing a lawyer and being able to afford one are two very different things. About one in every six Tulsan lives in poverty. For a family of four, that means less than about $24,000 per year. A Tulsa lawyer is probably going to cost between $175 an hour and $300 an hour. You do the math.

As a result, a truly staggering percentage of serious legal needs of the poor go unmet. That’s not justice. That is the absence of justice.

We can’t promise justice for all, but raise insurmountable odds for the most vulnerable. For example, studies of eviction proceedings have shown that tenants with attorneys usually prevail, while those without almost always lose. A disproportionate number of those in need are women — single mothers, grandmothers, caregivers of disabled children or elderly parents. If you prefer, think about it in economic rather than emotional terms. Protecting legal rights for the poor can often make the difference between self-sufficiency and taxpayer support.

So, how do we stack up locally? This is where we Oklahomans really need to look in the mirror and hold our collective nose. Recently, the National Center for Access to Justice closely examined data on available legal assistance for those in need, and ranked Oklahoma 50th. You read that right — we are dead last, bottom of the barrel.

It’s not that there aren’t those committed few who fight the good fight. We have a marvelously talented and dedicated staff of attorneys at our Tulsa Legal Aid office — a part of the non-profit Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma organization (LASO), who deserve our great admiration and gratitude. In addition, a number of local lawyers unselfishly volunteer their time to bolster the numbers served by serving “pro bono” — without pay. But there is simply not enough money or people, and as a result, over half of those financially eligible and in need of legal aid help must be turned away. What can you do to make justice more available to the most vulnerable Tulsans? All you have to do to make a difference is to go to the legal aid website today (www.legalaidok.org) and contribute to their Campaign for Justice.

Lawyers are given an exclusive right to practice law. With special privilege comes special obligation. The Oklahoma Bar Association’s Professional Conduct Rules are clear: “a lawyer should render public interest legal service and discharge this responsibility by providing professional services at no fee or a reduced fee to persons of limited means or to public service or charitable groups or organizations.” How dispiriting to find that in Oklahoma, only a meager 2.7 percent of Oklahoma attorneys donate financially to LASO, and another 1.5 percent provide pro bono services.

That brings me to my tip for finding a good lawyer. Like an ever-growing number of companies, I use this same tip in hiring top-notch lawyers to represent my company, and it will work for you too. Asking a lawyer to represent you is a leap of faith, no matter who you are. There are many factors, but the most important is determining whether a lawyer will truly care about you and your case. Though a minority, there are many fine Tulsa lawyers who volunteer their time without charge to serve legal needs of our community’s disadvantaged, and many who support Legal Aid financially.

Ask questions, and seek out these lawyers who care enough to give their time and money. If they care about that, they will care about you too.

Craig Rainey is vice president and chief legal counsel for Williams Co. He is a member of the Tulsa World Community Advisory Board, a 24-member panel formed by the newspaper as a means of connecting with the public. Opinion columns by board members run each week in this space.