Did you know that consulting with an attorney is often seen as a necessary startup cost for small businesses? However, the expense may be justified because you can have a consultant on hand to sort out any legal problems you may have.
Have you ever thought about how to find attorneys from small businesses and what you need to look for in a good lawyer? Here is a brief guide to picking a business attorney and how to make the process as painless as possible.
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Types of Legal Business Issues
You should look for an attorney with experience in all types of legal issues for small businesses. Some of the most common problems include employee termination, licensing, and trademarks.
Many of these occur during the startup phase of your business, so you will no doubt use a business lawyer more heavily when you have to trademark your logo, hire employees, or obtain a business license.
Options for Attorneys
You need to evaluate how much legal work you will need to utilize your attorney to determine the relationship. Many businesses keep a lawyer on retainer so that you can always have access to them any number of questions or problems.
To hire a business lawyer on retainer, you will pay a fee upfront, and the attorney will deplete that fee every time you use their services. You can also hire an attorney for a set period of time, such as a lawsuit.
Ask for References and Reviews
The best way to find a good attorney is to look at recommendations and reviews. Ask potential lawyers if they have a list of references they can provide you.
Ideally, the references should be businesses similar to yours in size and service. Any reputable law firm or lawyer will be happy to provide you with references.
If you find a larger law firm that has an established reputation, you can also look at online reviews. Filter out attorneys with low reviews so you can narrow down the number of attorneys to contact with serious inquiries.
Comparing Attorney Fees
Another huge factor in picking a business attorney is the cost of their services. Ask about the average cost of certain services, as well as billable hourly rates.
For an attorney on retainer, you may need to have a larger chunk of money upfront to secure the professional relationship. You may even be able to negotiate a lower rate with the law firm if you offer a retainer.
Picking a Business Attorney Should Be Simple
When you are picking a business attorney, you should not have to worry about making the right decision. With these tips, you can find the perfect lawyer that will serve the needs of your business.
Would you like to learn more about how to run your business effectively? Check out our site for answers to all of your business-related questions.
