as a lawyer what business should i start

by Prof. Gerard Bergnaum DDS 9 min read

Is an attorney essential when starting my business?

The lawyers most start-ups will deal with are likely in the $350-$800 an hour range, but this varies from firm to firm, obviously. Most big firms bill in increments of six minutes (i.e., 0.1 of an hour), but some charge in 0.25 hour increments. The range for hourly rates is huge. A junior lawyer at a small firm in a smaller city may charge $150 ...

How to find a startup lawyer?

Mar 28, 2019 · When starting a new business venture, entrepreneurs should make sure they’re complying with all the legal obligations of running a small business. There are a range of legal requirements for new businesses and startups, including financial regulations, tax obligations and employment laws.

Should I hire a lawyer when selling a business?

Feb 02, 2022 · Top 10 Business Ideas You Can Start for Little or No Money With Little or No Experience You may be a data entry specialist, an app tester, or a product reviewer. You could even start your own blog, or provide online classes, or establish a successful social media channel, or provide consultancy services.

What does a business lawyer do?

“When deciding on what type of business to start, I looked at my personal and professional history and what I could contribute as an event director,” says Garlick. 2. …

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Why do I need an attorney?

The most common reasons for needing an attorney are: 1 Navigating the many forms and requirements of legal documents, like incorporation documents, that are involved. 2 Assurance the startup is being done right. 3 Enabling you to focus on other aspects of the business so you don't have to spend time learning the legal processes. 4 Support with specific tasks like trademarking your name, reviewing lease documents, discussing potential legal structures, and preparing incorporation forms. 5 Online legal form providers don't always do it right. Businesses aren't one-size-fits-all, so blanket legal documents don't always work.

Can I register my business online?

You might be able to register online with your state or use an online service to register your business, but it might be a good idea to use an attorney if your business is at all complicated. Corporations or S corporations must register with the state as well.

Do I need an attorney to start a business?

The simpler your business, the less you'll need an attorney. A sole proprietorship is the simplest business form. It doesn' t require that you register your business with your state, so no, you probably don't need an attorney ...

What does a business lawyer do?

A business lawyer can explain how to start a business and answer your business law questions. But more importantly, a lawyer can identify the risks you face and help you minimize them. When you meet with your lawyer for the first time, it’s a good idea to have some questions in mind.

Why is it important to meet with a small business attorney?

Meeting with a small business attorney is an important way to get your business off to a good start and minimize future risks. Here are questions to ask at your first meeting. New entrepreneurs have their hands full, making plans, developing products and services, and lining up financing.

How does a contract protect a business?

Contracts protect your business by describing the rights and responsibilities of the parties to the agreement. A well-written contract can reduce the number of disputes that arise, ensure that you get paid for the work you do, and provide a clear remedy if one party doesn’t hold up its end of the deal.

What to do before starting a small business?

Before starting a small business, you must decide how your business will be structured. If you do not form a formal business entity, your business will either be a sole proprietorship (with one owner) or a general partnership (with more than one owner). Legally, you and your business will be the same “person,” so if your business has debts ...

How to start a business off on the right foot?

Always ask your business attorney to assess your risks and identify ways to alleviate them. Getting business advice and legal help from a small business lawyer is a smart way to start a business off on the right foot. But don’t lose touch with your lawyer once your business is up and running. Make it a habit to seek business legal advice regularly ...

Do I need a patent lawyer?

And if you have an invention, you may need to apply for a patent. A business lawyer can help identify your intellectual property, advise you on protecting it, and assist with copyright or trademark registration. For patents, you will need a patent lawyer. 6.

What is a limited partnership?

Other options include a limited partnership, in which some partners are fully liable for business obligations, and others are not, and a nonprofit corporation.

What is a general business lawyer?

1. General Business Lawyer. As the name suggests, a general business lawyer can provide legal advice on a wide range of matters. This type of lawyer has a hand in every legal discipline. If your business doesn’t deal with special circumstances, a general business lawyer may be well suited to your purposes.

Why is it important to hire a lawyer?

However, if your business is subject to a lawsuit, you’ll be relieved that you hired a lawyer. When evaluating lawyers, you should ask a lot ...

What kind of law do lawyers specialize in?

People sometimes wonder what types of lawyers are available to them. Lawyers often specialize in either business law or personal law. For this reason, you should search for lawyers who have business law experience.

Is M&A a complicated process?

M&A is a complicated process, and trying to do this without an M&A lawyer is not a wise decision. The documentation process is another complicated aspect of M&A deals. It’s likely for small business owners to overlook the needed documents. M&A lawyers know about the documents and filings.

What is an employment lawyer?

Employment and Labor Lawyer. Using an employment and labor lawyer only makes sense when your business has employees. If it does, your business should comply with state and federal laws. An attorney in this area of the law can help you draft employee manuals and ensure safety standards are in place.

Can you use templates for a business contract?

Many business owners use templates found on the internet for their contracts. These may work, but could cause your business legal problems, as templates won’t cover the specifics for your business.

What happens when you buy and sell a business?

When you buy and sell businesses, you’ll negotiate for the property and assets of those businesses. It may not always be clear what you’re entitled to during these negotiations. It pays to have a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lawyer representing your interests in the transactions.

Who is Robert Lomax?

A great example of this fact is Robert Lomax, who founded an educational services firm, RSL Educational, based on needs he saw in his day job as a teacher. Not only did his teaching experience help him see gaps in the educational books market, but it also gave him the ability to keep his job and develop new products.

Who is Nick Ehret?

Another common recommendation entrepreneurs shared with us is to find and follow your passion. Nick Ehret, founder of Varieteas, is passionate about tea. So, he built a successful business by curating specialty teas for his monthly subscription boxes.

Who is Ashley Hill?

Ashley Hill, founder and CEO of College Prep Ready, says she started her business because she had personal success financing her college dream. “I researched the challenges that students and families are experiencing with paying for college to help me refine my core message and services,” she says.

Is lean startup a fad?

The lean startup wasn’t a fad after all. In fact, the concept grew from one inevitable and enduring truth about starting a business -- people don’t want to risk their life savings on a business idea they have yet to prove or make profitable.

What is consulting business?

Keep in mind that the term "consulting business" can cover a broad range of activities. Some consultants primarily work in their own offices; others work in other people's offices or at indoor or outdoor job sites. Moreover, some consultants are, in one or another legal sense, "professionals;" for example, they may be licensed by the State.

Is consulting a flexible business?

By its very nature, "consulting" is frequently a very flexible business, and different clients may want at least somewhat different services from you; in turn, you may very well be interested in accommodating the varying needs of these different clients.

Is health and safety a concern for consultants?

For office-based consultants, health and safety is not likely to be a primary concern. However, if you will be working "in the field" in situations that are potentially dangerous, such as construction sites; or if you are otherwise working with hazardous materials, you should investigate federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, as well as your state's occupational health and safety regulations and environmental regulations.

What are the barriers to starting a business?

There are five common barriers to small business success; you can develop a plan to overcome them: No time. No money. No health benefits.

What are the factors that make a business successful?

There are some other critical factors that, when combined with passion, can set you on the path to small business success: Planning. Setting goals. Having knowledge, skill, and commitment. Having a support network.

How many personality types are there in entrepreneurs?

There are nine personality types of entrepreneurs, based on the 9-point circle of the Enneagram. By identifying your dominant personality theme, you can understand how you will operate in your business and identify areas where you may need to improve. The Improver. The Adviser. The Superstar.

Who is Alyssa Gregory?

Alyssa Gregory is former writer for The Balance Small Business covering small business management. Read The Balance's editorial policies. Alyssa Gregory. Updated November 20, 2019. Are you wondering if you should start a business? There are many factors that play a part in the decision, so it can be difficult to decide whether or not starting ...

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