You may find that your friends, family, and coworkers can provide a wealth of information when it comes to finding a lawyer who can best fit your needs. Ask around and see what experiences people have had with particular lawyers, or if they have any advice for you based on their circumstances.
Define your problem before you seek out a lawyer. Do you really require a lawyer? Cases involving criminal acts, divorce and other critical issues require the skills and expertise of a good attorney. While your case may not fall into any of these fields, you may still need a lawyer.
A general practitioner is not always your best option. You might have a good lawyer you trust, but do not hesitate to hire a specialized lawyer if you need help with an issue your lawyer has no experience with. Do not hesitate to ask your usual lawyer for a referral.
Make sure the lawyer you are hiring is suited for your needs. Like medical professionals, lawyers can be general practitioners or dedicated specialists. Know what general legal area your case is in, and narrow your search for a lawyer within that specialization to find someone with focused training and experience.
When searching for a lawyer who specializes in business, try getting recommendations from businesses. These companies provide services to some top legal players, so that may help you locate some good lawyers. For example, if you're dealing with small business law, you should speak with a banker, an estate broker, an accountant, and the like. Such individuals often deal with lawyers and may have some useful insights to share.
Ask your lawyer for an estimate when you decide they're the one for you. If they say no, walk away immediately. Even if they just give you a range and explain what makes a case more or less expensive, that is good enough. Make sure to get your fee agreement in writing!
As you can see, it's not too hard to find and deal with a lawyer once you have more knowledge. The tips shared here are a good starting off point. Use what you learned and your time with a lawyer can be time well spent in order to win your case.