Last month Politico wondered if members of President Donald Trump's staff should be lawyering up—if they haven't already—amid ongoing investigations into the administration and campaign's ties with Russia.

While attorneys in town can cost more than $1,000 an hour, there are a few things to consider besides the heavy cost.

The obvious question: Is an attorney really necessary? The signs are pretty hard to miss if you're paying attention, said Steven Cash, counsel at Day Pitney. If your name is in the paper in relation to any investigation—especially any as serious as those roiling the capital right now—or if you have information related to the probes, it's probably time to seek counsel.