what to ask before hiring a startup lawyer

7 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Startup Lawyer

1. Do You Have Experience With Startups? The most important question to ask a startup law firm is whether they have wide...
2. Are You Reliable? Finding a knowledgeable attorney is half the battle. The other half is finding one you can count on.
3. Who Will Be My Primary Point Of Contact? It is good to know beforehand...

Full Answer

When should start-ups get lawyers?

The most likely times for start-ups to get lawyers involved include: Negotiating contracts with customers and suppliers, including establishing terms of service for websites and license agreements for software

What should I look for when hiring a small business lawyer?

You want an attorney who keeps up with the latest legal and business matters. Be sure to ask whether he or she belongs to such groups as the local bar association, chamber of commerce or a small-business advisory board. "Are they taking a step beyond just saying, 'I do business law'?"

What should you look for when hiring a franchise attorney?

Such issues as intellectual property, franchise agreements and service contracts require special knowledge and skills, says Leach. Find out if the attorneys you're screening have worked with a company similar to yours and if you can speak with any previous clients.

Who will handle my business information when I hire a lawyer?

Unless you’re working with a lawyer from a solo firm or a very small firm, chances are good that others in the lawyer’s office will handle your business’s information. These may include junior partners, associates, paralegals and legal secretaries.

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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.

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.

What are multiple reasons you need a lawyer for a startup?

To help business owners understand some of the services a quality lawyer can provide, here are six reasons your business might need a lawyer.To Form a New Entity. ... For Lawsuits Against Your Business. ... For Tax Compliance. ... For Legal Issues With Employees. ... For Mergers & Acquisitions. ... To Help Manage Risk.

How do I prepare for my first meeting with a lawyer?

Tips For Meeting With Your Lawyer For the First TimeDress To Impress. ... Be Ready To Give Your Attorney Important Information About Yourself. ... Gather Your Evidence And Have It Ready For Your First Meeting. ... Get Your Facts Straight. ... Plan Something You Can Look Forward To For After Your Meeting.

Why is it advisable to an entrepreneur to hire a lawyer?

A business attorney isn't just there to represent you in court. Rather, your business lawyer is trained to advise you in a variety of matters concerning your company, including contract formation, mergers, taxes and more – all without you having to hire him/her as a new employee.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

Why every small business needs an attorney?

Existing small businesses have their share of legal issues to contend with and often need a lawyer to help get a resolution that benefits them best. These situations include things like debt collection, hiring and firing employees, and dealing with a lawsuit that has been filed against them.

Why do small business need an attorney?

Why do small businesses need a lawyer? Small businesses rely on lawyers to provide legal expertise in some areas, which they might not be well-versed. These include the knowledge to: Ensure compliance: A lawyer can help make sure that your business opens and operates by federal, state and local laws.

Can you wear jeans to meet with a lawyer?

The standard attire for meeting with you lawyer should be business casual. Wear dress pants, a nice shirt or top.

What is it called when you meet with a lawyer for the first time?

All attorneys meet with prospective clients in what is called an initial consultation. This is a first meeting between you and the lawyer to help you both decide whether you want to work together in an attorney-client relationship.

How do you prepare to talk to a lawyer?

How to Prepare for a Lawyer ConsultationFinding the Right Attorney. Before you can have an attorney consultation, you need to find a lawyer who might be a good fit. ... Background Knowledge. ... The Legal Plan. ... Working with Your Attorney. ... Money Matters.

What to do if a lawyer answers "preemptive"?

If she answers “preemptive,” you should jump right on board. In the best case, you want a lawyer who works with you to prevent any legal trouble. She needs to have attention to detail and a future vision that spots potential gaps where problems might appear.

Why do startups need to build a network of professionals that they can trust?

Startups need to build a network of professionals that they can trust because these are the building blocks of a sustainable business.

1. Do they understand your industry?

My biggest gripe with lawyers is that they often don’t understand their clients’ industries. Many firms are excellent with contracts and document preparation, but if they don’t understand the industry your startup lives in, they aren’t going to be the best counsel for you, because they simply won’t know what to look out for.

2. Have they worked with early-stage startups?

Early-stage startups have very different legal needs from mature startups. For early-stage companies, the focus has to be on building a legal infrastructure for the company; for later-stage companies, the focus is often on securities, funding, etc.

3. Which lawyer will actually be working on your matter?

This is critical, because you may get a great presentation by an experienced partner and find out later that the person handling you as a client is a first-year associate who doesn’t understand exactly what your company does.

4. What is their fee structure?

Startups want everything for extremely cheap or for free – especially when it comes to service providers (hey, it’s bootstrapping – we get it!). But when someone starts offering you free legal services, I want you to consider this: What are they getting out of it?

What are the most important questions to ask a lawyer?

Among the most important questions to ask a lawyer is, ‘What are my options?’ This applies to business formation, disputes, and lawsuits. There are often many different choices to make with a wide range of consequences.

What to do when you are in a business dispute?

If you are in a business dispute at the time you are searching for an attorney, speak openly about the facts surrounding the case. This will give your lawyer the most realistic look at the issues raised by your situation. A lawyer can also give you a more honest assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your case.

How do lawyers bill?

Lawyers usually bill one of two ways: on a flat fee basis or by charging an hourly rate. Sometimes lawyers will charge a flat fee for certain work but bill hourly for other tasks. The way you are charged for a lawyer’s services shouldn’t be a surprise when you get your first bill.

What is the most important aspect of an attorney-client relationship?

One of the most important aspects of the attorney-client relationship is clear communication between both sides. If you and a prospective attorney can’t speak openly, honestly, and regularly with each other, this can create problems.

Do lawsuits end without trial?

The vast majority of lawsuits do not end with a trial, but sometimes there’s no way around that in a case. Ninety-five percent of lawsuits end without a trial, but for those five percent that do, you need a lawyer that’s ready to be in court.

Can an older attorney handle a client?

Sometimes, an older attorney will be responsible for bringing in a client but won’t work much on their files. You need to be sure that if you are picking a firm because of a particular attorney, that is the attorney that will be handling your files.

Do lawyers work for businesses?

Lawyers for businesses have been practicing for many different periods. Some lawyers are younger and will work under a more experienced attorney, often a partner in the practice. These younger attorneys will usually be associates but will work closely with the partner on your legal cases.

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

How much will I have to pay?

One of the first things many people want to know when hiring a lawyer, whether it’s a business lawyer, a criminal lawyer, a personal injury lawyer, or any other kind of lawyer, is how much their services will actually cost.

How will I have to pay?

As well as learning more about the exact costs of your chosen lawyer, it’s also wise to use any consultations you get to ask some questions about how you’ll be expected to pay those costs too.

Do you think the case will be successful?

When it comes to legal cases of any kind, the ultimate question you want to know the answer to is whether or not you’ll actually win.

How do you tend to communicate with your clients?

Communication is absolutely key throughout the legal process, especially in business cases where startups are involved.

Conclusion

Finding a business lawyer to preserve the interests of your company can feel like quite a challenge, especially on top of all the other responsibilities you have as a small business owner. However, with a patient approach and a careful consideration of the consultation process, you can make the correct decision.

Why do start ups need lawyers?

At the most basic level, start-ups need lawyers to help them deal with three groups: The government. You don’t want to violate laws. You also need to be sure you are doing business in a way that doesn’t create unnecessary tax liability and that you pay the taxes you owe. Third parties and the public.

What happens if a lawyer doesn't understand the world?

If someone doesn’t understand the world in which you are operating, it’s harder for him to adequately represent you. Next, a lawyer who seems to be learning how to do something on your dime.

Is LegalZoom good for incorporation?

LegalZoom can be good if you know exactly what you need, but it can’t advise you on what is appropriate for your specific situation.

What is a good startup lawyer?

A good startup lawyer is more than a lawyer. They are also a close advisor and confidante as you’re trying to grow your business. Here are some of the important steps that startup lawyers can help you with: Deciding how to structure your new business.

Do lawyers know other lawyers?

Good lawyers typically know other good lawyers. Just be sure to make it clear that you need a lawyer who is experienced in helping new businesses get off the ground. Some lawyers identify themselves as business attorneys, but they may be more familiar advising mature businesses.

Do They Understand Your Industry?

• My biggest gripe with lawyers is that they often don’t understand their clients’ industries. Many firms are excellent with contracts and document preparation, but if they don’t understand the industry your startup lives in, they aren’t going to be the best counsel for you, because they simply won’t know what to look out for. So test their industry ...

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Have They Worked with Early-Stage Startups?

Which Lawyer Will Actually Be Working on Your Matter?

What Is Their Fee Structure?

Do You Actually Like The Person You’Re Talking to?