Have you asked around to other entrepreneurs or small business owners you know about whether a business attorney is necessary? Chances are, if you have done this, you will hear a resounding yes. At first glance, an attorney may seem like an expensive or indulgent business expense, but those same entrepreneurs and small business owners will also tell you how much money they may have saved by retaining a qualified business attorney early on. So, how do you choose a business law attorney near you?
First of all, it can be important to understand what legal issues a business attorney handles. Business attorneys can help create business organizations, such as LLCs. They can also assist with the merging and dissolving of business organizations. They can negotiate a multitude of business contracts, including real estate leases and transactions. They can advise on tax and employment issues. They may also handle intellectual property and business litigation.
A great way to begin the search for a business attorney may be to get a referral from a small business owner who has used a local business attorney for legal issues similar to the ones you anticipate. If you are unable to get a referral from another business owner, you can utilize a bar association referral service or on-line sources to identify potential attorneys.
After identifying attorneys, you should meet with a few attorneys to determine if they are a good fit, bearing in mind whether you are seeking representation for a one-time legal issue or seeking a long-term relationship. In addition to inquiring about their experience, assess whether you have similar business views. Ask about their communication style. If you prefer email or texting, an attorney who only does phone or in-person communications may not work in the long-term for you. If you are meeting with an attorney from a large firm, inquire whether other attorneys will be working with you as well.
Following these steps should lead you to a qualified business attorney which can be a prudent financial move for your business. For more assistance with business law matters, our office is available to help. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.