when should a small business get a lawyer

by Camila Raynor MD 7 min read

Small Business Employees Small Business Tips The simplest reason to hire a lawyer for your small business is that you don’t (and can’t) know what you don’t know. If you’re negotiating contracts, terminating employees, filing patents, obtaining funding, or running a store, you will benefit from hiring a lawyer.

As a result, most small business owners only hire an attorney experienced with business matters when confronted with a serious legal problem (e.g., you're sued by a customer). However, legal help is a cost of doing business that often saves you money and helps your business in the long run.Jan 16, 2018

Full Answer

Should I hire a small business lawyer?

Jan 16, 2018 · As a result, most small business owners only hire an attorney experienced with business matters when confronted with a serious legal problem (e.g., you're sued by a customer). However, legal help is a cost of doing business that often saves you money and helps your business in the long run.

How do I find a small business lawyer?

Here are just a few of the different legal areas that you may need a lawyer for: basic business formation, trademark/copyright, filing a patent, litigation (i.e. defending you from that lawsuit you received), or zoning/real estate issues (if you have a bricks and mortar business).

How can a lawyer help my business?

Jul 13, 2019 · Having a lawyer help ensure that your business if following all regulations properly could prevent this from happening. Deciding to Sell The Company If and when the time comes to sell your small business, you’ll want to do it the right way and have all of your bases covered.

Do I need a lawyer to let someone leave my business?

Jul 09, 2019 · If you’re hit by a lawsuit yourself—which can happen to even the smallest businesses—you’ll need a lawyer on your side. Having a relationship with a lawyer before you need one can ensure you have someone to turn to in an emergency. Protect your small business. The law intimidates many small business owners, but it doesn’t have to.

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Do you really even need a small business lawyer for your online business?

So many online entrepreneurs think that they don't need a lawyer to help them with their online business. And you know what?

When to Hire a Lawyer for Your Online Business?

Here is a shortlist of people that would be well-advised to hire a lawyer to handle the legal needs of their online business.

Things to consider when hiring a small business lawyer

If you have decided that it is probably worth your while to talk to a lawyer, then here are three considerations you need to think about before you write that big check:

Questions you should ask yourself and the lawyer

So as you venture forth into the project of selecting a lawyer for your online business venture, here are a couple of questions you should consider.

What about questions to ask the lawyer?

Here is a quick list of questions you should ask any small business lawyer you are considering hiring:

Other Online Resources

When to Hire a Lawyer for Business Matters (and when to Do it Yourself)! (SBA)

An Employee Sues You

Whether the employee of yours is a past or current one, if they’re suing you, you’ll want help from a lawyer. The employee, no matter their status, could be suing on the grounds of different things, such as making a discrimination claim or filing a wrongful termination suit.

Your Business Violates a Law

There may be a time when your small business accidentally, or purposely, violates some type of law. These violations can be anything from environmental laws to federal or state laws. Having a lawyer help ensure that your business if following all regulations properly could prevent this from happening.

Deciding to Sell The Company

If and when the time comes to sell your small business, you’ll want to do it the right way and have all of your bases covered. Hiring a lawyer to assist with this process and the paperwork that is included is ideal.

What do small business owners spend most of their days on?

Small business owners spend most of their days focused on the nitty-gritty, like marketing their businesses, managing employees and serving customers. One area that tends to take a backseat: legal concerns.

What to do if you are hit by a lawsuit?

Having a relationship with a lawyer before you need one can ensure you have someone to turn to in an emergency.

Why do you need a contract?

Make sure your contract is clearly written, outlines the scope of work and payment, and covers all the possibilities that could go wrong.

Can an attorney represent you in court?

If you need to escalate the situation and take the client to court, an attorney can either represent you or offer advice.

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