Home Business Legal Services
No question if you start your own small
business, at some point you are going to need the advice
and help of an attorney. The key is finding an attorney
that you trust and who will give you good council. Below
is a great article from All Business that provides great
advise on how to find the right lawyer for your small business.
If you own a small business, at some point you are probably
going to need a lawyer. Contrary to popular perception,
lawyers do more than solve problems. An experienced small-business
lawyer can help you start your business, look over proposed
leases and negotiate, and prepare contracts. Attorneys help
you comply with regulations that govern everything from
finance
and credit to incorporation and zoning. You will definitely
need a lawyer if you acquire intellectual property,
engage in litigation, sell your business, or (sorry to bring
this up) file for bankruptcy.
With so many lawyers running around these days, you
would think it would be easy to find a great one for your
small business. Unfortunately, a surplus of trained legal
professionals does not mean they all have the expertise
you need. You are going to have to search to find just
the right legal expert. Start with referrals from accountants,
bankers, successful small-business owners and trusted
friends. Bar associations offer referral services as well,
but they do not tell you much about the lawyer -- just
that they are a member of the bar.
Once you have compiled a list of candidates, narrow
your choices with the information available in the Martindale-Hubbell
Law Directory. The easiest way to access the directory
is through Lawyer.com. The site lists most practicing
lawyers, and offers brief biographical sketches, including
information about experience and specialties. Almost every
lawyer is rated according to confidential opinions solicited
from lawyers and judges.
Of course, You are probably not going to make your final
decision based on a Web site recommendation, nor should
you. Next you will need to interview some candidates.
In the interview, pay attention to the these key characteristics
to evaluate whether or not a lawyer is right for you:
Time and attention. If your candidate seems rushed or
preoccupied during your meeting, forget it. He or she
will not give you the attention you need.
Experience with similar businesses. Every small business
is different. A home-based
Web designer will not encounter the same legal problems
as a restaurant owner. You need a lawyer who understands
your business.
Foresight. Ask the candidate two key questions:
1. What problems am I likely to have?
2. And how can you help me avoid them?
Communication.
Your lawyer should be able -- and willing -- to explain
even the most complex legal situation in terms you can understand.
Affordable fees. Before you hire a lawyer, make sure you
understand his or her fee system. Ask about fees for specific
jobs, such as drawing up legal documents.
A personality you can work with. You should like your
lawyer -- after all, he or she is your advocate. Would
you feel comfortable calling this person for advice? Do
you trust this person with your business?
A willingness to teach. Find a lawyer who will help
you learn about legal issues.
Good references. Ask for references from similar small-business
owners. Call each reference, and ask them to convince you
that the lawyer will do a good job for your company. If
you are not convinced, keep looking.
|
