The more your business expands, the harder it is for you to comply with regulatory standards and protect your interests. Apart from that, you also need to defend your business from various legal risks, trademark disputes or workers compensation issues, and it only gets more complicated from there.
Still, a growing business is always worthwhile for the numerous opportunities you can unlock. You only need to hire a corporate lawyer who can advise you on key decisions, represent you in court or at the negotiating table and provide assistance when drafting agreements or partnerships. Consider these tips for seeking out a corporate lawyer who can provide long-term value to your growing business.
1. Start with the local directory
If you have already determined the need to hire a corporate attorney, you can begin your search by checking out local directories. While it’s often a simple matter of checking the yellow pages or searching Google for local listings, you can also use platforms like LegalZoom or LinkedIn. These allow you to look up details, from educational background to previous work experience. You can also obtain their contact details if you need to look further into their credentials before you can arrange for a consultation.
2. Check local organizations
You can also search for the right corporate attorney for your business by contacting local business groups or chambers of commerce. These groups can recommend lawyers or law firms who have worked or are working with members. This makes it easier to vouch for experienced and knowledgeable attorneys. Then again, quality comes with a cost. If you need someone who can help your business save money and avoid legal pitfalls, then a consultation is always important.
3. Negotiate for the best rates
A legal consultation is the right time to determine if a potential corporate lawyer aligns with your goals and if your business could afford the initial hourly rate. At this point, it’s always best to ask if the rate is negotiable. You will be lucky to find an attorney who can agree to a cost reduction, but this only happens when your business stands on solid ground. In other words, a lower fee will only be considered if your business faces less risk. Still, it’s best to present a ballpark figure of what you are willing to pay for and see if the candidate will agree to lower his or her rate.
4. Ask the right questions
Aside from negotiating the hourly rate of a candidate, it is also important to know if the lawyer could provide value in the long term. For this, it pays to know the amount of legal research that he or she is willing to undertake. You should also know well he or she handles conflicts, communicates with clients, and leverages networks. Most lawyers would seek legal consulting firms such as the Knowles Group for calculating economic damages or undertaking forensic accounting. At any rate, the right lawyer is someone who has the right resources and infrastructure to offer.
Give your growing business ample legal support. Start using the tips above and hire an attorney who can help your business thrive without any roadblocks.
