Your small business is booming. But are you sure that you’ve covered everything? Promising ventures have shut down for minor mishaps like not applying for the right zoning permit or misfiling their taxes.
Take care of problems before they arise by seeking legal advice. Every strong business needs an attorney.
Not sure how to hire a lawyer? We’ll show you.
Let’s get started.
1. Hire Immediately
Don’t wait until you’re sued to get legal representation. A business lawsuit is a colossal annoyance that will, at best, suck up huge amounts of your time. At worst, it’ll bankrupt you and destroy your company.
The best way to avoid the courtroom is to have a strong lawyer. Once the wheels of the lawsuit are set in motion, it’s very difficult to extricate yourself without forking over huge sums.
Even worse, what if an employee gets hurt on the job? Obtaining an injury lawyer after the fact is a hassle.
2. Find a Good Fit
Your lawyer won’t be your new best friend but you need to hire someone that you feel comfortable with. You’re going to spend a lot of time together. See how she fits into your office’s culture before you sign any contracts.
If things work out, your lawyer will be getting you out of some tricky spots in the future. Your life will be easier if you don’t hate her.
3. Budget Accordingly
Competent legal advice isn’t exactly cheap. However, you shouldn’t go broke paying attorney fees. Figure out exactly what your business needs and fit it into your budget.
If you need help incorporating your new business, a junior attorney will be sufficient. If you’re navigating a merger or trying to negotiate a new round of funding, you need to bring out the big guns. Senior attorneys often charge hefty fees but sometimes that’s what you need.
4. Don’t Skip the Consultation
The initial consultation will answer a lot of your questions. Go into the meeting prepared to vet your choice.
Who’s going to be working with you? How well-connected is the firm? How experienced are they with your industry?
Every lawyer won’t be a good match. Don’t give up until you find one who is.
5. Take Recommendations
If you have a lot of contacts in your field, there’s a good chance that some of them have worked with quality attorneys. Ask around and see what they say.
You’ll be able to get the unvarnished truth from a friend. Online reviews are sometimes overly positive or negative.
How to Hire a Lawyer
Choosing the right attorney can seem like a daunting process, especially if your business is brand new. However, finding proper legal representation is something that you don’t want to blow off.
You don’t need to know how to hire a lawyer to find someone great. Just be smart and methodical.
We know that you might be feeling overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve created an awesome database of articles and resources designed to help business owners. Come check us out when you need advice.