It is expensive to hire a business lawyer, some would want you to believe. But, it is expensive to lose a small business because you failed to act appropriately in various legal situations. Besides, retaining an attorney may not be necessary for every situation. Many small business decisions are easily made without attorney intervention and many others require only a consultation with a firm such as the Weisblatt Law Firm. When should you consult with a business lawyer?
No Lawyer Needed
The following issues are those which you can handle without the assistance of an attorney, or at least with minimum intervention from the professional necessary. These minor issues are usually not worth spending the cash to hire a lawyer when there are better ways to spend the money.
- Choosing a business name
- Creating a business website
- Creating a business plan
- Creating a LLC agreement
- Applying for state licenses and permits
- Hiring employees
- Obtaining an employer identification number
- IRS audit
- Employee and client contracts
Obviously this isn’t a complete list of the tasks that a business can complete themselves, but is a broad range of services that can usually be completed without an attorney.
When to Hire a Lawyer
The following situations warrant the need for a lawyer. Make sure that you find a competent lawyer who is capable and willing to provide the legal assistance that you require in these situations.
- Federal or state investigations of your business due to violations of the laws of the state. This includes discrimination lawsuits.
- Lawsuits being filed by former or current employees due to discrimination or disputes with the hiring or hiring process.
- Environmental problems arise. These problems may not have been caused by your business or employees but may nonetheless be charged to you. A lawyer will ensure that you are not held accountable for issues not caused by your company.
- Negotiating the sale of your business. A lawyer will ensure that you properly construct contracts and agreements in a legal manner and that you get the most money possible for the sale.
This is not a full list of issues that a business lawyer is available to help small business owners with, however, is among the most common problems that lawyers assist clients with.
Choose the Right Lawyer
Legal issues are stressful for any business owner. However, do not let the stress burden you so badly that you hire the first law firm that promises good things. Some lawyers are not going to go the extra mile to protect your business and best interests and aren’t worth the cash that you spend. Don’t bother with such a law firm and risk the good name you’ve build for your business. It is simple to find a great law firm when you research the options ahead of time. Be sure to contact the Bar Association for recommendations and do not hesitate to ask business associates, friends, and family for their recommendations as well.
