How to Choose the Best Lawyer for Your Business
A great lawyer will support your business efforts
To successfully hire and work with a lawyer, consider implementing the following steps:
1. Let go of preconceived (negative) notions about lawyers. - Lawyers are notorious for charging too much, being self interested, and generally having nefarious business intentions. Of course, this is not accurate when it comes to 99.9% of lawyers. In reality, many lawyers are profoundly dedicated to their work and go out of their way to service their clients. For instance, when I was practicing at a large firm in Chicago, my colleagues and I spent days, nights, and weekends working hard to achieve desired results for clients on a moment’s notice. If lawyers are utilized correctly, this will be one of the most supportive and rewarding relationships you will have in your business. However, this depends largely on your ability to abandon negative thoughts and approach the relationship with a positive mindset.
2. Find a lawyer who identifies with your business vision. - Before hiring a lawyer, spend some time researching lawyers in your city who have legal expertise in your particular business space. Some attorneys specialize in divorce law. Others are versed in corporate litigation, intellectual property matters, fashion, or sports law. You will want to be sure you are approaching attorneys who ultimately identify with your business vision. Most law firm websites will provide detailed information about its lawyers’ practice areas, as well as any niche industries or areas of expertise. This is a good place to start in finding the right fit for you.
3. Consult and listen. - No matter what type of attorney you consider engaging, you will want to be sure to explain the nature of your business and the support you need in great detail during an initial consultation. Many lawyers will do an initial consultation free of charge. To the extent you seek legal advice in this consultation, the conversation surrounding that legal advice will be protected by the attorney-client privilege, even if no money is exchanged and you hire someone else. So, you should feel free to speak candidly and get to the heart of the kind of help and support you need.
4. Think value. - For the most part, lawyers have a set hourly rate. Many lawyer rates are admittedly on the higher end, but remember that you are paying for deep expertise and an understanding of complex legal matters that you likely could not handle on your own. You are also paying for the assurance that you will be spared monetary and other headaches down the line. A good lawyer is akin to a business partner you can entrust him or her with the most sensitive and pressing issues in your business, and it is the lawyer’s responsibility to assume the stress of these issues and resolve them. For many entrepreneurs, this is priceless.
5. Build a working relationship. - Once you have selected the perfect lawyer for your small business, build a comfortable working relationship with him or her over time. You will want to reach out to your lawyer for counsel and guidance on substantive and non-substantive matters alike. For example, if you would like clarification or help as to a potential course of action you are taking in your business, or if you are unclear about something that appears on your bill, your lawyer will be able to clarify concerns and guide you as you make your way in your business.
Source: technori
Patty Block, President and Founder of The Block Group, established her company to advocate for women-owned businesses, helping them position their companies for strategic growth. Charting the course for impactful, sustainable, profitable businesses, the beacon is control: of your strategic direction, your money, your time, your staffing, and your ability to bring in business. The Block Group brings together the people, resources and ideas that build results.
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