Hiring a lawyer is likely a decision you want to be very confident about before you commit. Your needs, business plan, and budget are just a few of many factors to be aware of if you’re considering retaining a business attorney. While it’s important to have a savvy and resourceful professional in your corner for legal representation, it’s also important to hire someone that you feel confident maintaining open communication with.
Business attorneys can help you save money and make more money through:
- Preventing legal problems before they start
- Protecting your intellectual property
- Negotiating contracts
- Advising on mergers and acquisitions
- Consulting on regulatory compliance issues
- Assisting with business formation, including LLCs, partnerships, and corporations
What To Look For In A Business Lawyer
When you’re considering hiring a business lawyer, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. Here are some qualities to ask about or observe when it comes to your potential attorney:
- Experience with business law: A good business lawyer should have extensive experience and knowledge in both business and law. That way, they can help you navigate complex legal proceedings and protect your interests.
- Legal temperament and approach: Your business lawyer should be someone with a calm and confident temperament, as well as an overall proactive attitude. They should be willing to take a highly assertive stance when necessary, but always with your best interests in mind.
- Availability and responsiveness: Make sure your attorney is available to help you as needed, whether that’s during regular office hours or on relatively short notice. They should also be responsive to any questions or concerns you may have. If a lawyer is not punctual or attentive to your needs in the initial stages, it’s a sign you should move on to other prospects.
- Fees and rates: While not the only factor you should consider, fees and rates impact how much you’ll need to spend overall on your business lawyer. Make sure you’re aware of their rates and which services they’ll provide before you hire them.
Who Should Give Direction?
Giving direction to a lawyer can be tricky. You want to ensure that they are well-versed on your business and able to help protect it, yet you likely don’t want this person micromanaging every detail either. Here are a few tips you can consider using in order to better navigate this process:
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Meet With The Lawyer Before Hiring Them
Before giving direction, it is important to meet with the lawyer in order to get a sense of their skills and temperament. This will help avoid any misunderstandings later in your professional relationship.
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Give The Lawyer A Scope Of Practice And Let Them Do The Rest
If you have a general idea of what you want the lawyer to do, allow them more freedom to work within that scope. It’s usually best not to micromanage their work by providing too many specific instructions. Conversely, DON’T leave the lawyer uninformed or without direction, or you risk your business’s security.
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Dispute Resolution Is Key To A Successful Relationship With A Lawyer
If there are any disagreements between you and the attorney, it is important to resolve them fully in detail before proceeding. While you want your attorney to speak up about what they think will be best for you and your business, ultimately the final decisions are up to you.
When you need to hire a lawyer, you want someone who is highly knowledgeable and experienced in the field. If you’re looking for a business law firm in Los Angeles, The Hollywood Lawyer is available to answer your questions.