I'll take your first example:
1.a Can you recommend me a good lawyer?
1.b Can you commend me your good lawyer?
we "recommend" someone or something that goes with what is required, while we "commend" something or someone by delivering over to someone's care. In other words, "recommend" is more of 'suggesting' and "commend" is of 'entrusting'. therefore:
1.a Can you recommend me a good lawyer? = Can you suggest a good lawyer?
1.b Can you commend me your good lawyer? = Can you entrust me your good lawyer?
:)