How to Choose a Business Lawyer: Tips and Strategies
Choosing a business lawyer can be difficult. There are so many lawyers out there and they all have different qualifications and specialties. I've compiled some tips that will help you find the best business lawyer for your company.
Determine Why You Need a Small Business Lawyer
If you're a small business owner, then you know that there's never enough time in the day to get everything done. It can be hard to find someone who will understand your needs and help guide you through everything that is involved with running a successful company. A good lawyer is an invaluable resource when it comes to navigating the legal system and understanding how it applies to your specific situation as a business owner.
Steps On How To Choose A Business Lawyer
1. Make Use Of Legal Directories
The first thing to do is make a list of what you need from your business attorney, then start narrowing down your search by looking at their areas of expertise on their website or in their profile with the state bar association.
For example, if you need help with tax preparation, then a lawyer who specializes in taxes would be what you're looking for.
If the attorney doesn't specialize in an area that is relevant to your needs, don't rule them out - they may have experience and knowledge about areas of law that are different from their specialty.
You also need to consider the location of their law offices. If you're in Las Vegas, you should get a business lawyer in Las Vegas or its nearby cities. Not only is this more convenient, but they will be more familiar with how things are and how they work in the area than a lawyer from Arizona or California.
2. Compare Business Attorneys By Asking the Right Questions
Most small business owners think they can handle their legal matters themselves, but that's not always the case. Even if you have a general idea of what your company needs to protect itself legally, you may be missing key information about the many laws affecting small businesses.
The most important thing is for business owners to ask questions and make sure they're hiring a lawyer who truly understands how these laws affect them. You might need someone with experience in an area other than law enforcement or litigation if you're working on non-traditional issues like intellectual property protection or setting up employee benefits programs.
You may also want to consider how accessible they will be if something goes wrong when it comes to resolving any disputes because this can be very important in the future.
3. Negotiate A Fair Deal For Both Parties
Finally, don't forget about pricing!
You want to make sure your business attorney has the qualities and skills that will help you succeed in this competitive environment but not break your budget. As a small-business owner with limited funds for legal services, one of your biggest concerns is going to be fees: how much they are and what type. According to Thervo, hourly billing rates can range anywhere from $150 per hour for a junior at an understaffed law firm all the way up to over 1,000 dollars per hour for a well-regarded law firm.
It’s important when looking into hiring any lawyer - whether it's big or small city firms - to get everything about their fee agreement laid out on paper so there aren't surprises later down the line.
Final Thoughts About Choosing A Business Lawyer
Small business owners often need a lawyer for various reasons. There are many laws and regulations that they will have to follow to stay in compliance with the law. Failure to do so can result in fines, penalties, or even jail time.
The most important factor to consider when choosing a business lawyer is how much time they are willing to give you. You want someone who will take the time to put in some research and really understand your situation, not just toss out an answer as quickly as possible because it's easier for them that way.