Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create jobs, spur innovation and drive growth. But running a small business is not without its challenges for business owners. From complying with regulations to managing finances, legal issues are always lurking in the background. That’s why it’s so important for small businesses to have a good lawyer on their side.
What can a small business attorney do to help small business owners?
A good business attorney can help a small business in many ways. Some examples of legal issues that an attorney can aid with are:
- Drafting and reviewing contracts
- Advising on compliance with laws and regulations
- Handling litigation
- Negotiating leases
- Assisting with the sale or purchase of a business
- Protecting intellectual property
- Setting up a limited liability company
- Other legal services that a business owner may find themselves needing
How do you find the right lawyer for your small business?
The best way to find the right lawyer for your small business is to ask around. Talk to other business owners in your industry or area and see who they recommend. For many business owners, finding a local law firm or practicing attorney may be the best idea, as they’re not only familiar with the law, but with your community. Once you’ve found a few potential lawyers, schedule a consultation to get to know them better and see if they’re a good fit for your needs.
What questions should you ask a potential business lawyer?
When you’re meeting with potential small business lawyers, it’s important to ask the right questions. Here are some things you should ask:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- Do you have experience with small businesses?
- What type of legal services do you provide?
- What are your average legal costs?
- Can you provide me with some references from past clients?
- How important is the attorney-client relationship to you?
What do small business attorneys bill for legal services?
The average hourly rate for a small business attorney is $300, although rates can range from $250 to $600 per hour, depending on the area, attorney’s experience, and the area of legal work. Most attorneys will require a retainer, which is an upfront deposit that will be used to cover the lawyer’s hourly rate. Retainers can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the type of legal services you need. Some attorneys may also charge a flat fee for certain legal services, such as drafting contracts or filing incorporation documents. Be sure to ask your lawyer about their billing practices before you hire them so there are no surprises later on.
Tina James, Small Business Attorney
Have you dreamed of starting your own business? Have you been working as a sole proprietor and now you’re ready to take it to the next level? Starting a business involves more than obtaining a Federal Tax Identification number. We help you select the right type of business organization based on your needs, search available business names, and preparing your business formation documents, such as articles of incorporation, your by-laws, your organizational minutes, and prepare your company records binders.
In addition to helping you form your business, we can also review contracts and draft them for you. This includes customer agreements, liability waivers, service agreements, employment agreements, and other agreements. We help with the legal details, so you can focus on running the business.