An attorney is a privilege given to us by our government. Without one, half of our country would be in prison for crimes that they didn't commit. But when do you need a lawyer? And how do you go about finding one? Most people have no idea how to answer these questions, but everyone who lives in this country should know these answers. Why should anyone have this privilege and not know how to use it? I will discuss the steps needed to find and hire an attorney.
             First of all, a lawyer is needed in many situations. Some are easily apparent while others are not that obvious. The easiest to recognize is when you are charged with a crime, whether it be a felony or misdemeanor. A civil suit, usually for personal injury, is another time when an attorney is needed. In order to end a marriage, a lawyer is needed to get a divorce. After you've had a car accident and you insurance company refuses to pay, you may need to seek a lawyer's help. Before you purchase real estate, an attorney needs to review documents to determine the validity of the purchase. A person beginning a business or company needs to consult a lawyer in order to get all of the legal documents signed. Also, a person wanting to write a will or to plan their estate must have it legally bound by a lawyer. Big corporations and organizations also must have an attorney to prosper. An attorney's work is plentiful with all of these different specialities around.
             After you have determined that you need an attorney, you must find a lawyer that fits your legal needs. Many lawyers specialize in certain fields, while others have a wide range of abilities. But where do you look to find a lawyer? Many places are obvious. They are ordinary things found around the house. First of all, a phone book will give you a list of lawyers around that particular area. Another great way to find an attorney is in your local library. It houses a book,
             ...