go about hiring a lawyer

1. document your complete situation, do not leave anything out. Writing things down will prevent you from missing something when talking to the lawyer. print a copy for yourself and the lawyer. I usually leave wide margin on the paper so i can take notes during conversation.Bring any and all letters. Write down the time that the appointment was set and the potential applicant stood you up.
2. Look for your local bar association phone number on the web, ask for referral. Specifically ask for a lawyer that has this kind of experience. I expect there is pattern for this person and/or this department and there should be lawyers who have handled hundreds of such cases. Be very specific and get two or three names.
3. Do you meet the requirement of "small business", "minority owned business", or "women owned business"? Go ask these organizations for help and ask for recommendation to lawyers. Tell them you feel you are singled out for harassment because you are a small business/women/minority, tell them whatever agency is trying to put you out of business.
4. When interview the lawyer, ask him or her to review your case and inquiry for strategy. Get a feeling if the lawyer meet your needs that is minimize your cost in time, money and reputation. Do not think about revenge. however, some times posing of revenge might help with the case. For example, your lawyer might ask the agency to provide information for all the complains received and landlords investigated and question discrimination and harassment.
5. Be prepare to pay the lawyer. Remember it is always better to pay the lawyer than the !@#$%