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Even if you're an expert in your industry and a master of your craft, there are areas of your business that you just don't have time or knowledge to tackle. Having a great business attorney will give you one less thing to stress about.
They can handle the legal side of handling your business, leaving you more time to make more money. However, getting the right attorney can take some work, and you have to know how to find the right one.
Keep reading to learn what to ask your business attorney before hiring them.
Do You Specialize in Business Law?
A great question to ask your business attorney is: "Do you specialize in business law?" Knowing that they have the specialized knowledge and experience dealing with business and corporate law will provide you with the confidence you need in the legal representation and advice they provide.
You should ask what types of business law they specialize in and how long they have been practicing. Knowing that your attorney practices predominantly in business law can ensure that they have the experience needed to handle your business's legal matters.
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What Is Your Preferred Method of Communication?
Different attorneys may have different communication preferences. Some may prefer email, phone, or video conferences for their discussions.
Knowing the preferred method of communication upfront can help set expectations and ensure that the communication remains effective and productive. Also, you'll want to ask what other methods of communication the attorney is open to if necessary.
There are factors between you and the business lawyer should be considered before choosing the method of communication, such as:
- availability
- logistical constraints
- time difference
Asking lawyers about their communication preferences will provide further insight into your partnership.
What Is Your Experience With Resolving Business Disputes?
Always be sure to ask about their experience with resolving business disputes. This will help you discover if the lawyer has a proven track record when it comes to successfully resolving difficult business issues.
It may be helpful to inquire about the attorney's prior cases in dispute resolution to gain insight into their style of negotiation and approach to resolving disputes.
Depending on the specifics of the dispute, you may also want to ask the attorney if they have experience with representing clients in similar disputes or if they have published articles on dispute resolution topics.
Can You Explain My Company's Legal Requirements?
An important part of working with a business attorney is asking questions to help you better understand your legal situation. Depending on the nature of your business, you may have questions related to areas such as:
- corporate formation
- contracts
- trademarks and copyright
- business or corporate tax
Your attorney should be more than capable of answering any legal questions regarding your business operations.
It is important to keep in mind that the answers you get from your business attorney will depend on the specifics of your situation, so make sure you take detailed notes and ask as many questions as necessary.
What Is Your Fee Structure and Payment Options?
When consulting a business attorney, it is important to inquire about the attorney's fee structure and payment options. You should ask how their fee structure is determined.
Is it an hourly rate, a fixed fee, or a contingency fee? You should also ask about payment options and when payments are due. It is helpful to know upfront how much the services will cost and what type of payment options are available.
Ask if the attorney offers payment plans or discounts if the services are paid for in full. Asking these questions will not only help you understand the fees but also allow you to budget your money properly.
Understanding the lawyer's fee structure and payment options will give you peace of mind, ensuring your business accepts reliable legal services.
How Can I Protect My Intellectual Property?
When speaking with a business attorney regarding how to protect intellectual property, here are a few important questions to ask:
What Steps Will You Take To Protect My Intellectual Property?
Your attorney should provide specific details on how they will help you protect your IP, such as filing for trademarks or copyrights.
What Experience Do You Have In Protecting IP?
It is critical to your protection that you find an attorney who has experience in intellectual property law.
Is a Patent or Trademark the Best Course of Action for My IP?
Different types of intellectual property require different types of protection. Your attorney should be able to provide guidance on which is best for you.
Is There Anything I Should Do to Protect My IP Outside of a Legal Strategy?
Depending on the type of IP you have, there may be certain best practices you can employ to protect it, such as signing confidentiality agreements with employees or offering different levels of access to certain information.
Overall, it is important to work with a business attorney who is knowledgeable on the legal issues surrounding intellectual property and can provide comprehensive guidance on protecting it.
How Should I Handle Employment Law Questions?
Ask your attorney about any employment laws that you should be aware of and whether to consider hiring a specialized employment lawyer to handle any potential employee issues.
Make sure to ask your business attorney what their experience is with employment claims and any potential filing processes, so you know how to respond if an employment dispute arises.
It is also important to confirm the details of your business's non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and ensure that they are up to date with the latest state and federal guidelines.
You should also inquire if your business attorney offers any type of contractual documents to protect your employees, such as:
- employee handbooks
- offer letters
- employee and independent contractor agreements
Hire the Best Business Attorney Now
By having a thorough understanding of the questions to ask your business attorney, you can ensure that you receive the best consultation and advice for your business.
Hiring the right professional for legal advice can help save you time and money and secure the future of your business. Schedule an appointment with a business attorney today.
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