How to Find a Lawyer for Your Small Business

How to Find Small Business Lawyer

Having a good lawyer onboard can help your small business save costs in the long run. As a small business owner, you probably know too well just how complicated things can get and securing someone to help you through legal challenges is a price worth paying.

Your small business attorney can provide valuable assistance and counseling when it comes to many aspects of the business. Some, but not all, include:

• Forming a business entity, such as a C-corporation or limited liability company (LLC)
• Lease of a commercial building or space
• Contracts
• Handling a capital venture bid
• Employee issues and labor law compliance
• Federal trademark and copyright protection
• Litigation if you are sued

Searching for a Small Business Lawyer

Meet with several business attorneys before you hire an attorney or firm. To scope out your options, here are a few ways to get started.

1. Ask people you know personally or through business networking. If you know someone who owns or runs a business in the same industry, that would be ideal. But, recommendations from trusted friends or family members can also help you get started.
2. Do some research on the American Bar Association (ABA) website. A section titled “Hire a Lawyer”provides several search tools including for finding ABA offices in each state to contact for assistance.
3. Go online to find local attorneys to consider. Some website examples include FindLaw and Avvo. Be sure to check references.

The ABA website can help you find out if a lawyer has had any disciplinary actions filed against them.

Ask the Right Questions

Once you have several candidates to consider, meet with each of them; many attorneys offer a free initial consultation.

Sample questions:

• What kind of small business experience do you have?
• How do you estimate costs? (Hourly or per diem, a flat fee, monthly retainer or value billing, etc.)
• Do you provide monthly itemized bills?
• What expenses would I be asked to pay for?
• Do you offer a discount for prompt payments?

Then ask yourself: Do I like this person? It’s also important to be compatible.

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