Legal representation is essential for any business that forms partnerships, has employees, enters into a lease, receives financing from investors or offers a product or service that might create some kind of liability. To participate in any of these things, a company needs legal oversight to protect its rights.
Knowing When To Find An Attorney
The time to find the right attorney for your company’s needs is before you need an attorney. You should ask for referrals from businesses in your community or people you know to get a list of attorneys. For example, if you need a personal injury attorney Tampa, FL, you can check websites to see if they cover your specific needs. You should also consider the future of your company and the legal oversight you will need.
If you are beginning a business, you may start with a business attorney who can handle the typical formation of deeds such as business contracts or creating a corporation. If you need a trademark or have questions about tax law you can find an attorney who specializes in those areas. You may only need a general business attorney who will connect you with specialists when needed. Make sure the attorney you choose does not represent your competition. This could result in a dispute later that you could have easily avoided by choosing another attorney.
Personal Injury Attorneys
One area where a specialist is recommended is personal injury attorney Tampa, FL. Your business can end before it really gets off the ground, if you find yourself in a personal injury battle. Your personal injury attorney must understand your business or be willing to learn. He or she must understand your everyday activities, main customer base and strategic partners.
Where to Find Them and Questions to Ask
The attorney’s website is a good place to start learning about the firm. You may find client testimonials and confidentiality ratings or awards from attorney directories.
Once you have a short-list of three lawyers for your company’s needs you can plan an introductory consultation with each. During that time you can discuss specific legal questions or learn about what the attorney or firm can do for your business. Here are ten questions you can ask your short list of attorneys before you make a selection:
- Does the attorney have experience in your industry? Does he or she understand your business model?
- How much time will they give to your concerns and how do you communicate with clients?
- Are there other attorneys in the firm who can help you if they are not available?
- Do they have experience in raising capital and can they make and advise on a Capitalization Table?
- Do they have experience creating stock options or compensation packages for employees?
- Do they have experience in patents and intellectual copyrights?
- Do they have experience working globally?
- Do they have experience with acquisitions and mergers?
- What is their fee-payment policy? Do they charge by the hour with 15 and 30-minute increments and do they charge a flat fee for routine matters such as reviewing a contract of incorporating a business?
- Will they share references of other businesses they have worked for?
For a business, it may be good to pay a retainer. This is a monthly sum that is like a deposit and the lawyer pays him or herself from it. It may end up costing less than if you pay each time you need legal advice.
If all the attorneys on your short-list comply with the necessary experience and expertise, then you may choose one with whom you feel comfortable and who has reasonable fees. Don’t underestimate your personal feelings when you have an initial consultation, after all you may be working together for years to come.