subject: An Introduction To A Small Business Lawyer [print this page] In this modern age of Internet communication, lowered real estate and very ambitious entrepreneurs, you may be thinking about starting your own company. While you can virtually learn about business online, you may be contemplating hiring a small business lawyer. You may even be confused at why you need a lawyer if no one is suing you and if hes not official staff.
A Small Business Lawyer Knows Your Law and Your Home City
The reason being, a small business lawyer can provide consultation services on call or a retainer agreement, which symbolizes a business relationship in between a one-time contract and a full-time arrangement. These might include everything from setting the business up (and choosing the right structure), and protecting yourself against liability.
Liability is the main concern, as state fees (while fairly pricey) are not going to be six digits, or even into the millions, as can lawsuits. Lawsuits over physical injury, wrongful termination, discrimination, defective products, malpractice, and even unfair business practices can be devastating to a small business.
This is why it is imperative to find a small business lawyer that can help you. A legal professional can help you avoid shady dealing, controversial practices, and even tip you off about questionable associations and legal gray areas. Furthermore, all small business lawyer firms (and individual practices) are locally based, meaning you can expect localized and customized attention. Some alternatives, such as a prepaid legal hotline, do not localize services for your city or state and may only give you very vague information. When it comes to protecting your business, you are much safer by meeting up with a small business lawyer and explaining the situations you encounter in detail.
Other Advantages to Having a Small Business Lawyer on Retainer
In addition to legal protection, a small business lawyer can also provide guidance for saving on taxes and when its the right time to expand (perhaps even going public). While you can usually perform much of the legwork of business on your own (i.e. creating a business plan, negotiating, etc.) some tasks are best handled by a small business lawyer who has been trained in U.S. law as well as the specific codes of your vicinity. For instance, these matters might include handling employee lawsuits, federal or local government investigating complaints, special financial arrangements to maximize profits, environmental issues that involve your company and buying or selling businesses.
A small business lawyer offers expert supervision over some very complex situations. You have every reason to consider hiring on via retainer arrangement in case you are ever sued or investigated, as well as to forecast any difficulties formalizing your business. Be sure to find a lawyer you can trust. For the best results, find an experienced business lawyer who works not only with other small business (and ask for references!) but also in the same industry as you.
