Although none of us ever hopes to be in the position of having to find a lawyer, life circumstances are such that all of us will probably need a lawyer at some point or another. When that time comes, will you know what to look for? If not, here are four tips that will point you in the right direction, whether you live in Indiana, New Mexico, or Georgia.

1. Find an Attorney Before You Need One.

That may sound counterintuitive, but the likelihood is great that, when you find that you need an attorney, you won't be in the best frame of mind to use your good judgment. If you've experienced a personal injury as the result of an automobile accident, for example, you may be in too much pain to go through the process of calling attorneys. Likewise, if you've been picked up on DUI charges, you need to have the confidence that the lawyer you choose is the right one. How do you find an attorney before you need one? Simply keep your ears open and ask around. If your neighbor had to hire a plumber and was happy with his work, you might ask her for his name and number and keep it handy in case you ever needed a plumber. The same holds true for attorney referrals. If someone you know is going through a legal proceeding and seems happy with his or her lawyer, ask for the lawyer's name and keep it handy.

2. Choose a Lawyer with Experience in Your Type of Case.

Just as you wouldn't hire a plumber to build you a new set of kitchen cabinets, you shouldn't retain an estate attorney to build your criminal defense. If you are dealing with drunk driving charges, make sure to select a lawyer who has had experience as a litigator. This could be someone who has worked for the district attorney's office or who has been a prosecuting attorney, as well as a lawyer who has extensive criminal defense experience. Likewise, if you are facing divorce proceedings and have to deal with issues like custody, child support, or even paternity, look for an attorney who has a family law practice area. Keep in mind, however, that many law firms have several, seemingly disparate practice areas. A law firm can be competent in several practice areas, either because they have associates at the firm who specialize in certain practice areas or because they work cooperatively with other firms who specialize in certain types of cases.

3. Discuss Fees Upfront.

Before you engage the services of an attorney, make sure you understand his fee structure. Many law firms charge exorbitant fees simply because they can. Look for a lawyer who charges reasonable fees for his services and for the services of his paralegals. Ideally, start with lawyers who offer a free initial consultation. This will give you the opportunity to assess his abilities and will give him the chance to determine whether or not he can be of assistance.

4. Select an Attorney Who is Available.

With many large law firms, you rarely get to speak with your attorney, and are often shuttled to a paralegal or legal secretary. The attorney you hire should be available to you, and you should be able to reach him (or receive a return call) within a reasonable amount of time. If your lawyer is too busy to return your call, you need to ask yourself if he's too busy to give his full attention to your legal issue.