how to hire the right lawyer for your business

• Consider your company's needs. Your company size and type can help guide you as you begin your search. ...
• Research attorneys and ask for referrals. Researching lawyers can be mind-boggling. The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Online reviews are amazingly helpful.
• Conduct an initial interview. Make a shortlist of candidates and sit down with each one. Ask thoughtful questions and follow up on their responses.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

May 02, 2022 · First, bring information about your business or your case, which the business lawyer will need in order to understand your situation and make recommendations. The Contra Costa County (California) Bar Association suggests that you write down notes before the meeting, outlining what you know about the situation and what you don't know.

What to expect when you hire an attorney on retainer?

May 20, 2021 · Hiring a Lawyer Finding the Right Kind of Lawyer. Many lawyers specialize in certain areas of law, such as family, estate, personal... Interviewing a Lawyer. Before your first meeting with a lawyer, find out if you’ll have to pay for the lawyer’s time. Hiring a Lawyer. After you find the right ...

How do you hire an attorney?

FindLaw's Guide to Hiring a Lawyer not only helps you determine when you should hire a lawyer, but also helps you choose the right one, understand legal fees and agreements, and get some peace of mind. While lawyers can seem expensive, not having legal counsel when you need it can be far more costly. Lawyers typically specialize in one type of ...

How to hire the best attorney for You?

How do I decide what kind of lawyer to get?

What makes a good business lawyer?

How do I know if I hired a good lawyer?

How much does it cost to hire the best lawyer?

What are lawyers not allowed to do?

Who would you approach for specialist legal advice specific to your business?

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Why is my attorney not fighting for me?

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

How much does it cost to sue a company?

How long is a lawyer retainer good for?

How to find a good lawyer?

Finding the Right Kind of Lawyer 1 Ask family, friends, or co-workers for recommendations. 2 Check with your state and local bar associations. 3 Consult lawyer referral services offered by a union or community group you belong to.

What to do if your lawyer doesn't treat you fairly?

If you think your lawyer didn't treat you fairly, didn’t handle your case effectively, or overcharged you, talk with him or her and try to work out an agreement. Depending on the circumstances, you may be free to fire your lawyer, or you may need a judge’s permission.

What happens if you don't get a lawyer's fee?

In a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer takes on the risk that your case might be unsuccessful. If you don’t get any money, your lawyer won’t get attorney’s fees. In some contingency fee arrangements, you might have to reimburse the lawyer for case-related expenses even if you don’t win your case.

What does it mean to pay a lawyer a flat fee?

If you pay a flat or “fixed” fee, you pay the lawyer a set dollar amount for a service, like writing a will. Many lawyers charge a flat fee for uncomplicated services like drafting incorporation papers, handling an uncontested divorce, or filing a simple bankruptcy.

How do lawyers charge?

When you choose a lawyer, you’ll talk about how to pay for their services. Most lawyers charge by the hour, or part of the hour, they spend working on a case. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for a service, like writing a will. Others charge a contingent fee and get a share of the money their client gets in a case. Your lawyer should tell you if ¾ in addition to paying a fee ¾ they’ll charge you for expenses related to your case: for example, copying documents, court filing fees, or depositions.

What is a retainer in a lawyer?

Before your lawyer starts to work on your case, they may ask you to pay a financial deposit, called a retainer. The lawyer may use the retainer to pay expenses and fees.

What is the area of law that lawyers specialize in?

Many lawyers specialize in certain areas of law, such as family, estate, personal injury, contracts, or civil rights. It’s important to find a lawyer who has relevant experience with the legal area that you need. Take time to search for the right lawyer.

What can an attorney do for a business?

An attorney can help you negotiate favorable contracts and ensure you understand all the fine print. Handling employment issues: As a business’s workforce grows larger, business attorneys often step in to help with labor law compliance and to resolve wrongful termination lawsuits.

What can a small business lawyer do?

A small business lawyer can help you draft both partnership agreements and corporate bylaws.

How much does a business attorney charge?

Generally, h ourly billing rates for business attorneys range anywhere from $150 per hour for a junior attorney in a small city to $1,000 or more per hour for a top attorney at a big-city law firm.[2] With this in mind, it’s important to get all the details of your fee agreement in writing—so that you know exactly how much you’ll be paying for your small business attorney’s services.

How do lawyers communicate?

Different lawyers have different communication preferences. Some old-school attorneys prefer in-person meetings and phone calls for quick questions. Others prefer email and use e-signature software to store and sign documents. If you’re a small business owner with a busy daytime schedule, you’ll want to make sure the lawyer understands this and that you have a way to communicate urgent matters.

How long is a consultation for a business lawyer?

The next step after sourcing a handful of business attorneys is to meet with all of them. Most lawyers offer free half-hour or one-hour consultations to meet with potential clients. A consultation is a good way to see if a small business lawyer is a good fit without committing.

How to hedge your bets against legal problems in the future?

The best way to hedge your bets against legal problems in the future is to invest time and resources now in finding a small business attorney. A good business attorney is like a partner to your business and can see you through some of the most challenging times for your company.

What is the best business entity?

For instance, if you plan to raise venture capital, then a C-corp is the best choice. A small business lawyer will be able to walk you through the pros and cons of the different business entities and help you decide which will be right for your company.

Why do we need a lawyer?

Having the right attorney when you need one can help you resolve a dispute with neighbors, end a marriage, enforce your rights in the workplace, or even avoid prison time. When life gets legal, whether it's a DUI charge or a positive event such as adoption, it often makes sense to get a lawyer.

What is a lawyer?

Lawyers typically specialize in one type of law, or a few related practice areas. For example, one lawyer may only work on family-related immigration cases, while another may handle a wide variety of injury cases. Some attorneys don't undertake litigation at all, but serve more transactional or advisory roles.

What type of attorney handles divorce cases?

A criminal defense attorney, for instance, may specialize in defending clients against DUI charges. A family law attorney may handle primarily divorce cases, or even specialize in custody disputes.

What is a family law attorney?

A family law attorney may handle primarily divorce cases, or even specialize in custody disputes. Lawyers also differ in the way their respective firms are structured, ranging in size from single-attorney practices to large, multi-state (or even multinational) firms with thousands of attorneys on staff.

How does FindLaw help you?

FindLaw's Guide to Hiring a Lawyer not only helps you determine when you should hire a lawyer, but also helps you choose the right one, understand legal fees and agreements, and get some peace of mind. While lawyers can seem expensive, not having legal counsel when you need it can be far more costly. Practice Areas.

How many lawyers are in a boutique firm?

In the middle are small firms, which employ between two and 10 lawyers and are sometimes called "boutique" firms. They offer the attention provided by single-attorney firms, but with enough depth to take on a broader range of legal topics.

Can a single attorney set up a living will?

A single attorney, perhaps working solo, is capable of setting up a living will and trust. But a large company going through a major acquisition will hire a large firm with deep resources and specialized staff attorneys. Some legal issues do not require the help of an attorney.

How to work with a lawyer?

One way to work with a lawyer is to turn over your entire legal issue and rely on the lawyer to handle things. If you've been putting something off—say you've meant to set up a trust for your grandchildren, you need to clean up old debts through bankruptcy, or your legal problem is especially upsetting, like a nasty lawsuit —hiring an attorney to handle everything can be just what you need. There's no denying that putting a troublesome problem in a trusted expert's hands can be a huge relief.

How to find a lawyer in Nolo?

To start your lawyer search, check out Nolo's lawyer directory. You'll find local lawyers organized by area of expertise, and rich profiles that will help you find an attorney that's right for you.

What is a healthy attorney-client relationship?

A healthy attorney-client relationship is paramount when you're involved in a legal dispute—and most clients who participate actively in resolving their legal problems are more satisfied with the results. Here you'll find information that will help you hire and work with an attorney.

Do you have to give consent to a lawyer to text you?

You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary.

Do lawyers provide limited help?

Many lawyers are open to providing limited help—reviewing documents or researching a particular issue, for example. To find attorneys who do this, just review attorneys' profiles: Nolo asks lawyers to indicate whether they're willing to coach clients or review client-prepared documents.

Where to start with a lawyer?

A great place to start is with the American Bar Association. The ABA's website has a wealth of information for consumers and professionals alike who have legal questions. In the "Hire a Lawyer" section , you'll find information on public service lawyer referral programs, wherein you are interviewed to have your needs diagnosed and then provided with a referral to a lawyer or to helpful community resources.

What is a good business attorney?

A good business attorney will provide vital assistance in almost every aspect of your business, from basic zoning compliance and copyright and trademark advice to formal business incorporation and lawsuits and liability. First, some general rules about dealing with lawyers:

Why are lawyers reluctant to quote flat fees?

Lawyers will be reluctant to quote flat fees if the matter involves litigation or negotiations with third parties. The reason for this is bluntly stated by a lawyer friend of mine: "Even though it's a transaction I've done dozens of times, if the other side's lawyer turns out to be a blithering idiot who wants to fight over every comma and semicolon in the contracts, then I can't control the amount of time I will be putting into the matter, and will end up losing money if I quote a flat fee." In such situations, you will have to pay the lawyer's hourly rate. You should always ask for a written estimate of the amount of time involved, and advance notice if circumstances occur that will cause the lawyer to exceed his or her estimate.

How to find commercial lawyers?

Go to FindLaw , for instance, and you have instant access to thousands of lawyers. You can search by city and state, and several results come up within the area you specify, with details of each firm's background, areas of practice, published works, attorneys on staff and so on. There are other similar services listed on the ABA site.

How much do lawyers have to pay upfront?

Many attorneys require payment of a flat fee upfront, so that they can cover their out-of-pocket expenses. You should always ask to "hold back" 10 to 20 percent of a flat fee, though, in the event the lawyer doesn't do the job well.

What do accountants do for business?

4. Taxes and licenses. Although your accountant will prepare and file your business tax returns each year, your lawyer should know how to register your business for federal and state tax identification numbers, and understand the tax consequences of the more basic business transactions in which your business will engage.

What skills do you need to be a lawyer?

You will need a lawyer who can understand your business quickly; prepare the standard form contracts you will need with customers, clients and suppliers; and help you respond to contracts that other people will want you to sign. 2.

How to hire a lawyer for a business?

How to hire the right lawyer for your business. Business lawyers are not one-size-fits-all. As with all important relationships , it's important to make sure you're professionally compatible. Take your time in finding the right representation for your specific business needs.

Why is it important to hire a business lawyer?

It's also helpful to develop a strong relationship with them as your business grows. They can become one of your most valuable assets.

How to protect your business and your employees?

You can protect both your business and your employees by using a lawyer to guide you. From hiring to firing employees, legal guidance is essential in getting it done right. Setting clear expectations for new employees sets the tone for a great working relationship.

How can a lawyer help a business?

As you develop your relationship with them, they will learn the needs of your business. They will be able to make recommendations to improve the areas of your company.

How to talk to a business owner?

The conversation should leave you feeling confident in their abilities. Ask about their experience in your specific industry. Allow them to share why they think they would best represent your business. Explain what your goals are as a business owner and ask them how they can help you achieve them. Trust your instincts.

What is the most complicated part of running a business?

Complying with tax law is one of the most complicated parts of running a business. Your business lawyer's expert advice can prevent future issues with taxation. They can also find credits and deductions to potentially save you a ton of cash come tax season.

What is the best way to protect your business?

Strong, iron-clad contracts are the best way to protect your business and its interests. These legally binding documents are essential in various areas of running a company. Having a business lawyer who can expertly write and review these documents is a valuable asset.

What are some good resources for finding a lawyer?

State bar associations are also good resources for finding lawyers who practice in the field in which you require assistance. Online resources can be another good source, and many such resources have the added benefit of offering consumer reviews, so you can see how other people have rated their interactions with a particular attorney.

Do lawyers work by themselves?

The legal team. Some lawyers work by themselves, while others have paralegals on their team or outsource some of the legal work to other lawyers. You want to make sure you know who will be handling your file, as this can have an impact on both the quality of the service you receive and the cost. Communication.

Written By

Jane Porter is a freelance writer and editor based in Brooklyn, NY. You can find more of her work at Janeroseporter .com

Jane Porter

Jane Porter is a freelance writer and editor based in Brooklyn, NY. You can find more of her work at Janeroseporter .com