How do we vet and find the right attorney?

A very hard question to answer. My sister engaged who she thought was a competent attorney at a large firm but it turned out the attorney was being shadowed by an older more experienced attorney in the same firm. Because of this she had to pay DOUBLE the normal charge which of course she could not afford. My sister was on disability and was my mother's caretaker but another sister "kidnapped" Mom to another state. When my sister questioned why the lawyer had to have a shadow at such a high cost she was told that's how they do it. Of course she was never told that up front. She probably should have files a complaint.

If its dealing with planning for divesting assets and the standard DPOA, MPOA and will (or codicil), then I'd get a NAELA listed elder law attorney. In the past estate lawyers did this but the rules & compliance for Medicaid are pretty complex now that it's it's own speciality area. This site has a drop down list you can refer to.

I have always had good luck finding an Attorney who works for a large firm. That way if that Attorney retires or leaves the firm for whatever reason, the firm will have another Attorney taking over said files. There are also excellent solo attorneys, you just have to find the right fit.