You should never just choose the first attorney that you meet. Make sure that you research attorneys thoroughly to avoid making a bad decision. Get all the information you can about those you're considering hiring.
Ask for a free consultation. Many lawyers will offer a free consultation, so you can have your questions answered. During the consultation, you can also see if you are comfortable with that lawyer. Always go to more than one free consultation so you have a good mix of lawyers to choose from.
Remember that you should be the one seeking out a lawyer, not the other way around. This is usually a scam you should avoid, in particular if you have an issue which will cost a lot. Do your due diligence and hire the best lawyer on your terms.
Make it clear up front that you would like your legal fee agreement in writing from your lawyer. This will help you avoid the surprise of an unexpectedly high bill. Make sure that all expenses and fees are itemized, so that you'll have a clear understanding of what exactly you are paying for.
It is important to think about the specialty of a lawyer your are hiring. You want to make sure you hire the lawyer you need. You do not want to hire a lawyer that specializes in criminal law to do your estate planning. Choosing a lawyer that specializes in whatever area of law you need, will guarantee you get someone who has a lot of experience in that area and can do a good job.
Finding a lawyer isn't all that difficult. Finding a good lawyer who doesn't cost an arm and a leg is a whole different ballgame. Make sure that you use the tips and tricks mentioned above to help you with your search for a quality lawyer that doesn't cost too much money.