Do you need a lawyer and how do you find a good one?

Every one of us ever faced the difficulty of searching and choosing. When we have needs in solving important issues like distinguishing a lawyer, the problem seems to be twice as difficult. In a situation like that, we keep asking the same questions:
Where to find a good lawyer?
Who can recommend a good lawyer?
How to distinguish a good lawyer from a mediocre one?
How much should I expect to pay?
Once you find a lawyer, new questions and hesitations come up:
How good the lawyer is?
Is the lawyer experienced enough?
Will this lawyer be able to give real help in your particular complex case (probate, real estate, criminal, family, arbitration, etc.)?
Does the lawyer have good practice that will help in dealing with your case? »