Many entrepreneurs feel that hiring a small business attorney is an unnecessary and intimidating process. However, they soon find out that bringing competent legal counsel on board is far from a waste of time. These professionals are specially trained to assist with business formation, tax issues, intellectual property matters, and so much more. But what should you look for when shopping for experienced counsel? Here are three things to consider. Affordability Most entrepreneurs who are first starting out are most concerned about cutting costs until the company turns a profit. That is why many of them shy away from hiring lawyers, who are notorious for charging heavy fees for their services. However, it is important to understand that most lawyers charge an hourly rate, and you will not be billed a flat fee just to have them on retainer. Still, you should try to find a small business attorney who will work within your budget when you are just starting out. Also, for that money, you are getting counseled by someone that has expertise and extensive training in complex legal matters that you may not be able to handle alone. And they have enough day-to-day knowledge to take care of your paperwork and filings quickly and efficiently, freeing you up to run your company. Understanding As a start-up, it is crucial that you hire a lawyer who not only specializes in business law, but also identifies with the start-up culture. Many larger law offices deal primarily with mid-sized to large companies, so they have little patience for novices with many questions and concerns. You may want to try a small business attorney that runs his or her practice as a sole proprietor. These lawyers are essentially running their own companies and have a first-hand understanding of the worries of small companies, such as payroll, advertising, and overhead planning. It is an even better idea to employ a solo small business attorney who has experience working in larger firms. This means that he or she will have the know-how of larger firms, yet you will still pay the lower rates that are common among solo firms. Availability Like any other provider that you hire, it is possible to come across a lawyer who has spread him or herself too thin. This can cause you anxiety down the road because there will be times when you need to get a hold of your counsel for assistance with making critical company decisions, yet all you will get is his or her voicemail. This only defeats the purpose of hiring competent counsel in the first place. That is why you should ask your colleagues and friends in the business world about their experiences with different firms, since lawyers will not readily admit that they are frequently unavailable. You can also check reviews online. There are now many forums in place to rate attorney performance. As you search for a good small business lawyer, remember that you should speak with several lawyers before making a final decision. Many of them offer free consultations, and you can use these experiences to evaluate which potential candidate will best suit your company. When looking for a Roseville business attorney, residents turn to Meyer & Yee LLP. Learn more about our services at http://mylawyersllp.com.
Related Articles -
roseville, business, attorney,
|