Hiring a good business attorney is imperative. This person will be able to help you in most aspects of your business, make sure things run smoothly and legally, and possibly keep you out of jail. Because of the costs involved, many small businesses prefer to avoid lawyers until they actually need them. But the fees involved with hiring an attorney to keep things in check are far less substantial than those you could incur once you're already in trouble. The best thing you can do for your business is engage a lawyer from the very beginning.
Like in the medical profession, the legal profession is becoming highly segmented and specialized, so it's important to begin your search by figuring out exactly what type of lawyer would be best for your business. Consider the sets of skills your business will require, like business organization, contracts, licensing, or copyrights and trademarks. Once you know the legal needs of your business, you'll be able to better distinguish the right attorney for you.
You can go about tracking down prospective attorneys several different ways. Referrals from family members, friends or business associates are one of the best places to start. You can also contact the American Bar Association or perform an extensive Internet search. Compile a lengthy list of all competent candidates, and start narrowing the field from there. Look at the websites and see where their expertise lies. Find out if they've worked with startups or small companies before. Does this person appear professional or knowledgeable?
Contact your most promising prospects and ask to arrange an interview, preferably in person but over the phone works as well. When you meet with them, don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions. Find out how long they've been in practice and other experiences they've had. Ask about the specific clients they've worked with and the successes they've had with them. See if you can review documents they've created in the past and talk to a number of references. Also make sure that you have a thorough understanding of each attorney?s particular billing practices. They can vary greatly and include hidden fees, so get everything out in the open ahead of time.
There are other things to take into consideration as well. For instance, where are their offices located? Once you hire an attorney, you're going to need to visit him or her on a relatively regular basis. This mean that traveling long distances for consultation may not be worth it. Also take into account your instincts about the personality and character of the attorney. This person will become an integral part of your business, so you need to feel like you can communicate with and trust him or her. Though you are by no means stuck with the attorney you hire, it is usually a good idea to retain and build a relationship with this person. So consider the future of your business and how or if this person will fit into it.
