If you are asking yourself that question, the answer is almost always yes. After over 45 years of practice, I found that the question usually came during the first phone call or the initial meeting with a prospective client. It had been on their mind for some time, and as they explained the reason for the question, it often became apparent that the problem needed a solution that other professions could not provide. The prospective client instinctively did not go to an architect, doctor, mechanic, carpenter, CPA, or computer technician. If the problem involves a conflict between people or businesses, if it involves estate planning documents, if it consists of an injury caused by another person, if it involves a criminal charge, or if it involves interaction with a governmental entity, you should seek counsel with a lawyer early in the process. I could give dozens more examples of legal issues, but you get the idea.
I have one more thing to add about whether and when you need an attorney. A consultation with a lawyer is almost always confidential. There are limited exceptions where a lawyer cannot maintain confidentiality, and most lawyers will tell you in advance what cannot be said in confidentiality. That confidentiality privilege is worth whatever the lawyer charges you for a consultation.