While filings with the US courts of appeals decreased by 16% in 2018, there are still plenty of cases currently taking place. With this in mind, there are thousands of reasons business owners should hire a lawyer to represent their firm.
Unfortunately, with so many lawyers to choose from, finding the right one for your business can be challenging. To help you, here are some tips on how to find and hire the best small business lawyer for your company.
Establish Your Needs
While you should have a small business attorney on speed dial in case something happens, there are some instances you can plan for. Here they are:
- When choosing a business entity
- To navigate securities laws when raising money
- To review contracts
- When handling issues with current and past employees
- When trying to obtain a patent or trademark
It’s worth mentioning that some lawyers specialize in one field while others are generalists. If you need someone with litigation fund experience, for example, make sure they specialize in these types of cases.
Ask Others Which Small business Lawyer They Use
Do you have friends and family that own their own businesses? If so, why not ask them if they have a lawyer?
Depending on the amount of time they’ve been working with them, this could be an easy way to find a good business attorney that you can trust.
You may also be able to ask another lawyer. For example, if you hired a personal injury lawyer, they may be able to refer you to a good business lawyer.
Check Their Credentials and Look at Online Reviews
Before hiring the first small business attorney that comes your way, do some digging. The first step is to find their website. Their website should tell you their area of expertise.
Moreover, this is a great opportunity to see their attention to detail. If the website has spelling mistakes and looks messy, you may not get the best first impression.
Additionally, look at online reviews. This will allow you to learn more about other businesses’ experiences working with a specific attorney. You can look on:
- Yelp
Last but not least, check their credentials before hiring them. You should be able to get a copy of their certificates.
Interview Your Potential Lawyer
Once you have a shortlist of business attorneys, it’s time for you to meet them. Try and organize an in-person consultation so that you can get to know them better. During your meeting, ask the following questions:
- Do you have experience with my specific legal issue?
- What is your area of expertise?
- Have you worked with small businesses in the past?
- Will you be working on my legal issue alone or with colleagues?
You should also ask about their preferred communication methods and their fee structure.
Get More Business Tips From The Global Dispatch
The tips outlined above will allow you to find the best small business lawyer for your company. But, remember to check their pricing structure before signing up with them. Lawyers can be expensive so it’s important yours fits within your budget.
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