how to talk to lawyer to start business

by Randi Schimmel 10 min read

This is why it’s vital to talk to a business attorney about what kinds of contracts your business needs. You should also ask a business attorney to help write your contracts. They can help you with one-off contracts and help you draft standard contracts that you’ll use over and over, like employment contracts.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer to start a business?

The most common reasons for needing an attorney are: Navigating the many forms and requirements of legal documents, like incorporation documents, that are involved. Assurance the startup is being done right.

What should I ask a small business attorney at my first meeting?

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 do you manage the legal process when starting a business?

Navigating the many forms and requirements of legal documents, like incorporation documents, that are involved. Assurance the startup is being done right. Enabling you to focus on other aspects of the business so you don't have to spend time learning the legal processes.

Do I need an attorney to start a home-based business?

It doesn't require that you register your business with your state, so no, you probably don't need an attorney to start this type of business. No specific paperwork is required other than local business licenses, and even that can depend on the exact nature of your business and your area's unique requirements.

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Should I speak to a lawyer before starting a business?

But meeting with a small business attorney before starting a business can be one of the smartest moves you'll ever make. 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.

How do you start a conversation with a lawyer?

Tips for Talking to an AttorneyAlways be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. ... Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you.Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.More items...•

Who should I talk to about starting a business?

5 People You Should Talk With Before Starting a BusinessYour spouse. One of the first people you should talk with about this new venture is your spouse. ... A lawyer. Starting a business involves a few legal hoops, so you'll want to talk with a lawyer. ... An accountant and trusted advisor. ... A business coach or mentor. ... A banker.

What do startups need from lawyers?

Startups need lawyers when lawyers provide the best, value-driven solution for specific problems the startup is facing. This will change from one startup to another. Here are some variables: Company formation: In most cases, you don't need a lawyer to set up a company, and it will be overkill to use one.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•

How can I start my own business with no money?

How to start a business with no moneyFind a free business idea.Write a business plan.Choose a business name.Launch a website.Validate ideas with preorders.Source funding to grow.

Where do I get advice to start a business?

GOV. UK's help and support for businesses has links to government support, including financial help and a free helpline. The London Growth Hub can give you free advice on all aspects of your business and runs events that might help you learn more. It offers online information and you can also talk to an advisor.

Who can help me setup my business?

9 Organizations That Can Help Your Business Right NowSmall Business Administration. ... SCORE. ... Small Business Development Centers. ... Chamber of Commerce. ... Veterans Business Outreach Centers. ... Women's Business Centers. ... Procurement & Technical Assistance Centers. ... United States Export Assistance Centers.More items...•

What two characteristics should a lawyer have when working with a startup?

Take note of what the attorney says and does, and look for the following qualities:Experience. ... Understanding. ... Ability to communicate. ... Availability. ... Rapport. ... References. ... Reasonable fees.

Why legal is important for Startups?

From incorporation to investment negotiations, startups have legal needs necessary for the success of their business. For instance, Startups find that they may have to deal with government established institutions, be it for issuance of licences or payment of taxes.

Why do companies need lawyers?

A Business Attorney can guide you on the applicable regulations, codes, and laws related to hiring employees or independent contractors. The right legal advice will prevent you from possible claims for discrimination, misclassification of employees, or braking state and federal laws.

Should I protect my business's intellectual property?

The short answer is absolutely! Protecting your business’s intellectual property is essential to its growth and success moving forward.

Can I name my business whatever I want?

Before you set your business name in stone, first consult with a small business attorney who can help you determine whether your desired name is av...

What do I do if my desired business name is available, but I'm not quite ready to move forward?

The Texas Secretary of State permits online reservation of names for any type of filing entity. A business entity reservation is effective until th...

Structuring Your Business

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There are several different business structures that you can choose when you’re forming your company, including LLCs, S corporations, C corporations, partnerships and sole-proprietorships. So speak with an attorney who can explain each option for you and then listen to your vision for your company so they can g…
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Protecting Your Personal Assets

  • No matter what specific structure turns out to be the best choice for your business, it’s essential that you structure it in a way that limits your personal liability and protects your non-business assets. De Leon said in an email to Small Business Trends, “Establishing a limited liability company or other corporate entity with the applicable government agency (e.g., filing a Certificat…
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Choosing A Name

  • Another part of getting your business officially up and running is choosing a name. Each state has its own processes for officially selecting a name. And you also need to be sure that you’re not infringing on any existing copyrights or trademarks with your name choice. So a business attorney can help you make sure your name of choice is available and walk you through the necessary pa…
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Protecting Investors

  • If your business has any outside investors, it could impact the type of corporate entity you’re able to establish for your business. Specifically, you need to be sure that the structure provides a corporate shield for your investors as well as yourself.
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Establishing Ownership Responsibilities

  • If your business has multiple partners or owners, you also need to have clear agreements about what is expected of each person and what the responsibilities are in terms of purchasing property or equipment. It’s best to have contracts or signed agreements in place when you’re just getting started so that all parties involved understand what is expected of them and what they are entitl…
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Creating Internal Bylaws

  • Then you also need to create some bylaws for your company as a whole. These should outline all of the rules that owners and management should follow over the course of running the business. De Leon says, “Owners must understand that establishing a corporate entity and securing an EIN number is but the first step; internal governing documents (e.g., Company Agreements/Bylaws/A…
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Adhering to Compliance Practices

  • The federal government and each individual state have requirements for record keeping, safety practices and a number of other business related processes. So your business needs to know exactly what is required in order to comply with all of those rules and regulations. Your lawyer can walk you through some of those issues and make sure you know exactly what records must be …
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Making Sure You’Re Covered with Insurance

  • Insurance can help you avoid costly issues down the road. Speak to your legal representative to discuss what types of coverage you might need or at least benefit from, including coverage for workplace injuries, data breaches, or non-injury claims made by employees or customers.
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Creating Vendor Contracts

  • Once your business starts working with vendors, suppliers, clients, or any other third parties, you’ll need written agreements in place to ensure that all parties involved know what to expect. A lawyer can help you draft specifics or at least walk you through the creation of some templates that you can use in common situations.
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Navigating Tax Issues

  • Your legal representation probably isn’t going to do your taxes for you or manage your books. But there are some tax ramifications of choosing different corporate entities or making some of the other decisions listed above. So it is important that you also have a good CPA in your corner, and your lawyer might be able to refer you to one so they can work in tandem on some of those impo…
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