How do I get a good experienced lawyer fast?
Is there a reference service, or a rating system. I don't think the fee of a lawyer tell the whole story.

And how do I know that a lawyer is competent in the specific area of immigration law practice that concerns my case?

Thank you for your responces.

To find a good lawyer, you need to be a good client: ask for referrals from friends and colleagues. Have a list of questions for the lawyers you contact: is the lawyer a certified specialist; does he/she belong to AILA; has the lawyer handled cases similar to yours, and if she has, what was the success rate? Most attorneys do free or low-cost consultations with new clients, and usually the consultation fee is waived if you retain the attorney to file a case.

Lawgal: thank you for you response.

I am totally ignorent of the law profession. How specifically are the immigration lawyers certified. I know most immigration lawyers say they handle student visa. But, in my case I have overstayed my previous visa and I am applying for a news F-1 visa. I want to know if the lawyer is experienced student visa as well as overstay/voluntary departure situations.
About the success rate you mentioned, is there a rate that I should think that she is good or great?

I appreciate your response, thank you.

Some state bar associations have "certified specialist" programs. A lawyer can become a certified specialist by completing certain coursework and training, passing an exam, and demonstrating competency. I mentioned it as something to look into, but there are many well-qualified immigration attorneys who are not certified specialists. (So don't let that be a deciding factor.)

If you are pursuing an F-1 visa, you should probably start with the International Students office of the school you are planning to attend. They may be able to recommend immigration attorneys in their area who have the expertise you are looking for.