Does your business model leave you open to a civil suit? Are you an employer? Do you need to draw up a contract? Whatever your business, you should consider getting a business attorney. Every year there are, quite literally, millions of civil court cases concerning disputes between employers and employees, and business owners and clients. Operating without professional legal back-up is taking a risk with your company’s finances, reputation and very existence.
So, here are 5 simplified steps to finding yourself that all-important business attorney.
1. Decide Why You Need One
There are many reasons why you might need a Business Attorney. It could be that you are starting a new business and you need to know you have done everything correctly. Or maybe you have a small business that is growing, and you want advice to ensure it is on a sound footing.
On the other hand, you may have been running your business for a few years and are now entering new territory, about which you would like legal advice. It could be that you are taking on employees, expanding operations, or looking to buy out a competitor. A business attorney can help you get the financing you need to help, as well as the legal advice you will require.
2. Finding Your Perfect Business Attorney
One of the best ways to find a good business attorney is to ask around. If you have friends who run their own businesses, then you may be able to find the right attorney through word of mouth reputation. If you don’t, check out legal directories that have lists of law firms in your local area. Seek out reviews before making a selection; however, if you don’t have a personal recommendation to go on.
3. Ask Lots of Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want when you meet with a potential attorney for the first time. A business attorney, even a good one, is just doing their job. You, on the other hand, are talking about you and your family’s future. And make sure you speak to more than one attorney. It is not just your questions that are important, but also their answers.
If you have any doubts about a lawyer, even if you are not sure why then cross them off the list. There are plenty of business attorneys out there, so keep looking until you are confident you have found the one for you.
4. Keep Inside Your Budget
There is no point in finding the perfect business attorney to hire if they are going to cost you more than you can afford. Ask how much each lawyer will charge you for an average month and rule out the ones your business cannot afford.
Having said that, remember that one of the reasons you need a business attorney is to save your time and money in the future. Make sure your budget is realistic but understand that this is an investment in your company’s future success as well, so don’t go for the cheapest option simply because they undercut all other quotes.
5. Find Someone You Like
Finally, and this sounds unimportant, but it really isn’t, find someone you like. It is almost impossible to trust someone you don’t like. And trust, more than anything else, is the essential ingredient for a successful relationship between a lawyer and a client, especially if you are hiring an attorney on retainer.
