In every business, you will need the services of a lawyer in one way or the other. A competent business attorney offers assistance in every aspect that affects the operations of your company. Choosing the right business lawyer can be daunting since there are many things that you should consider. Here are six important things that you need to know when hiring a business and commercial legal team.
1. Experience
Checking if the lawyer is experienced in their area of practice is vital before you hire them. Ask the lawyer if they have handled similar cases before and also check their years of experience. Experienced lawyers pride themselves on their achievements and they are happy to share their success stories with clients. No lawyer can know everything so you must check if they have experience in dealing with your business-related case. Some lawyers may be new in the industry but they may also offer excellent services. If you are dealing with property disputes or land use issues, check here for more information on how a good commercial litigation attorney can help. On the other hand, when dealing with intellectual property issues, you should consult an IP lawyer.
2. Area of Specialization
Attorneys are becoming increasingly specialized in different areas like doctors. For instance, when looking for a commercial legal team, you should look for appropriate skills that suit your business. If you are in the construction industry, you must hire a lawyer who is specialized in the area. The advantage of dealing with building & construction lawyers is that they are knowledgeable in handling different issues in this sector. Construction lawyers also provide legal advice and help resolve disputes that may arise in contracts. Your attorney can help you with litigation in court and resolve other related issues.
3. Size of the Law Firm
When dealing with business issues, it is imperative to enlist the services of a law firm instead of attorneys operating solo businesses. In most cases, an individual lawyer may not possess all the skills you may require to grow your business. Attorneys are increasingly becoming specialized, and they deal with specific issues. The advantage of dealing with a large law firm is that you can get all the legal skills you require under the same roof. Large law firms have a good reputation and are competent to handle different issues. Big law firms are also well connected, and they have the necessary resources to handle your case.
4. Understand the Legal Team’s Billing System
You must understand the law firm’s billing system before you enlist their services. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for covering different matters like forming an LLC or corporation. You must ask the price and when the fees for services should be paid before you hire a lawyer. Some attorneys demand upfront payment of a flat fee while others use the value billing method where they charge higher rates when they obtain favorable outcomes like negotiating contracts. Other attorneys operate on a contingent basis where they get a commission from the deals they successfully negotiate. Make sure you can meet the legal costs before hiring a lawyer.
5. Location of the Law Firm
Another important thing that you must know is the location of the law firm’s offices. Make sure the offices are in convenient locations to save you travel costs. You will certainly need to visit your lawyer frequently to get legal advice concerning your business. It does not make economic sense to travel to another city every time you need help from your legal team. Try to choose lawyers who are closer to your home so that you can meet them regularly. Apart from saving money, you can also enjoy brief meetings with your attorneys to help you address small legal problems before they grow.
6. Is the Legal Team Willing to Help
Some lawyers are in business for making money, and they care less about the interests of their clients. From the onset, you should avoid practitioners with that kind of mindset since they may not add value to your business. Therefore, you must check if the legal practitioners that you intend to deal with are willing to go the extra mile. For instance, reputable lawyers can educate you and your team about your business’ legal environment. Your attorney should also tell you different things that you need to do to identify problems in advance.
When you are in business, you certainly need a business attorney to provide you with crucial help in almost all aspects of your business. Choosing the right legal team can be daunting since the industry has become highly specialized like other sectors. With these tips and other ideas, you can gain insight into the qualities of legal practitioners that you may need for your business.
