There are many important functions that businesses must attend to for their continued success. Yet, without sufficient knowledge of the legal world, it can be challenging to make the right decisions to keep the business afloat. However, hiring a business attorney to assist your endeavors can put your worries to rest by placing a professional at the helm of important tasks. To learn more, here are some of the ways business lawyers can help you, how you can find them, and how to know which one would be the best fit for your business.
Benefits of Hiring Business Attorneys
There are many reasons why business owners should hire an attorney to work closely with them. Legal experts can lend a hand with the following services and more:
- Preparing legal contracts.
- Review any contracts before you sign them.
- Helping you draft agreements and similar documents.
- Offering legal advice.
- Protecting your intellectual property.
- Registering and licensing your business.
- Helping you adhere to complex compliance laws and regulations.
Regardless of what reason you have for hiring a business attorney, they can help you navigate complicated laws so that your company can avoid making costly mistakes or other errors.
How to Find Business Lawyers
Now that you’re more familiar with business attorneys and how they can help out your organization, you’ll likely want to start searching for one to interview. But how does one go about finding experienced lawyers for their business? Luckily, there are several avenues you can take for your approach.
Consider asking people you know, whether they be close relatives, friends, or acquaintances in the industry, about the lawyers they’re familiar with. These personal recommendations will help you grow a list of potential attorneys to consider, and the firsthand experience of those referring them to you can help foster a better understanding of their skill sets. However, be mindful that even if these referred attorneys are competent, they may not be familiar with your business’s industry and lack sufficient knowledge that other lawyers may have.
There are also a variety of networks and business organizations that contain lists of lawyers for businesses. Some libraries also list registered lawyers in the United States to consider, but one of the best resources you can use when hiring a business attorney is the internet. A wide assortment of review sites and legal directories online can prove useful in your search, especially if you’re searching for lawyers who practice in your area. Some attorneys have their own website that outlines their background and areas of expertise.
Selecting the Right Attorney for Your Business
After searching, you’ll compile a long list of experts who specialize in business law. Now it’s time to determine which ones would work the best for your business, but how? Comparing each of the options you have side by side will help you determine which one will be the most beneficial to your business endeavors, so schedule an in-person meeting with them to learn more about what each candidate is like firsthand. That can help narrow down your choices even further.
During your selection process, here’s what to look for in a business attorney:
- While attorneys who have many years of experience under their belt are capable, it is crucial that they’ve handled the matters you’re hiring them to manage. For example, a business lawyer who has experience with litigation will be suited for helping your organization with litigation. Otherwise, a more generalist lawyer, who handles an assortment of services, will be preferred.
- Ask how familiar they are with your particular industry and what your company does. A lawyer who understands and has frequently handled the complexities of your business’s industry will be a tremendous asset. Also, the size of their past clients is important, as it will let you know if they have prior experience working for large or small businesses.
- How proficient are they at communication? A business attorney will be your partner, so how often they keep in contact with you can be a sign of their involvement. Further, some have preferred methods of communication, such as phone calls or email, so selecting one that fits your business’s communication style can be ideal.
- Lawyers with a large network of contacts who they can refer to you will also be highly beneficial. There may be situations where they need assistance tackling a large case. Or, if they can call upon an associate who handles more specialized fields, it can help your business should they encounter more niche legal problems.
If you need a business attorney in Berks County or the surrounding area, reach out to Kozloff Stoudt. Our firm handles a variety of practice areas, so if you or someone you know requires the assistance of a commercial litigation lawyer or a real estate attorney in Southeastern PA, our team can help. Contact our offices today.