Get the Right Business Attorney

Getting the right business attorney is crucial for the success and protection of your business. 

Here are some steps to help you find the right business attorney:

1. Determine your specific legal needs: Before you start looking for a business attorney, it's important to determine your specific legal needs. Do you need help with contracts, intellectual property, litigation, or something else?
2. Ask for referrals: Ask other business owners, colleagues, and professionals for referrals. They may be able to recommend a good attorney based on their own experiences.
3. Research potential attorneys: Once you have a list of potential attorneys, research them online. Check their websites, read their bios, and look for reviews and testimonials from past clients.
4. Check their credentials: Make sure the attorneys you are considering are licensed to practice law in your state and have experience in the areas of law relevant to your business needs.
5. Schedule consultations: Schedule consultations with the attorneys you are interested in. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions, discuss your legal needs, and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable working with them.
6. Consider cost: Ask about the attorney's fees and billing structure. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others may charge a flat fee or work on contingency.
7. Make a decision: Once you have met with several attorneys, weigh the pros and cons of each and make a decision based on who you feel is the best fit for your business.

Remember, finding the right business attorney is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the success of your business. Take the time to do your research and choose wisely.

Go out and network and network with several different types of attorneys:

A business transactional attorney (contracts and business agreements)

An employment law attorney (ask them about the employee handbook)

Intellectual property attorney (patent/copyright/trademark)

Litigation attorney (tell them about your business)

Here are 8 things you need to know when working with a lawyer

1. If you work with clients, suppliers, vendors, an attorney can create a contract that protects you. Better to be safe than sorry. The devil is in the details... CYA great time here. I can't tell you how many of my clients have been scammed because their client didn't sign a really good contract.
2. Hire a business attorney who specializes in the area you need. So far only a general attorney can take you before he has to refer you to a specialist. For example, if you need an attorney to draw up a contract you can enter into with your client, don't hire a family law attorney.
3. If you hire an attorney who is a solopreneur and not part of a large corporation, you will likely pay a lower hourly rate. While that's great, it's important for you to recognize that your attorney may not have access to the resources that larger corporations have - other attorneys, more support staff, etc.
4. Hire an attorney through referrals. Get references and contact them. Check the linked.
5. Hire a business attorney who believes in you and your business. They need to understand your vision and support you as you grow. Make sure they are an advocate for you, and working with you. For example, if they say "You can't do that," perhaps they should reason with you to see "how you can do it."
6. Make it clear what's on the clock and what's off the clock. Most lawyers work hourly. Their time is money. If you ask them to do something, make sure you know in advance how much it will cost. The last thing you want is a financial surprise. Make sure you understand how they charge when you send them an email.
7. If you have created a product or service, you may need to apply for a trademark with the US patent office. You should definitely consider working with an intellectual property attorney. After all, why not protect something you worked so hard to create?
8. Who will do the work? The lawyer you hired? Their junior lawyer? Paralegal? Sometimes attorneys will outsource some of the grunt work to junior associates or paralegals. It may save you money, but make sure your attorney will thoroughly review the work and be actively involved with your items.

Go out and meet with one of the lawyers next week. Only one. You never know when you will need it in your corner.

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