Find Business Attorney By Laura Evans
Having a good business lawyer can help a business through many different stages of development, whether your business is large or small. The following article provides information about the types of law that business lawyers conduct, and advice about how to pick one.
The Role of a Business Lawyer
Are you starting your business? A business lawyer can help you incorporate your business. Are you signing contracts? A business lawyer can make sure that you are not inadvertently giving away the store. Your business lawyer can also draw up your contracts for you so that your needs are completely covered in a business arrangement.
If you are interested in changing the size of your business, your business lawyer can help you through the acquisition process. For downsizing in particular, a business lawyer can help you divest portions of your business. If you are planning to grow through strategic alliances, your business lawyer can help you manage any legal aspects that are involved.
A business lawyer can help you write up non-disclosure and non-competition agreements for your employees that comply with your state's laws. Your lawyer can also offer advice on other employee related issues such as stock options.
Does your business involve franchising or licensing? A business lawyer can help you with either of these. You should always have your business lawyer check any type of agreements before you either send them out or sign them.
Picking a Business Lawyer
How do you pick a good business lawyer? Make sure that you check his or her credentials. Did he or she attend a reputable school? How long has your prospective business lawyer been practicing? If he or she has only been in business for a few months, you might want to consider someone with a little more experience.
A good business lawyer needs more than just academic credentials and experience. Your business lawyer should be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and on paper. You should also make sure that you communicate well with each other before hiring a particular business lawyer; miscommunications can be costly.
Take a look at how your prospective business lawyer's office is organized, and the demeanor of other employees at the office. Does this business lawyer's office appear cluttered and disorganized? Is there an aura of frantic behavior? If either of these conditions exists, it might be a good idea to look elsewhere. Messy, frantic behaviors may be an indication that this particular lawyer has too much on his or her plate, and will not be able to effectively care of you.
Additional Legal Services:
Nationwide Find an Attorney Services:
American Bar Association
Service Center
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60610
800-285-2221
Martindale-Hubbell
121 Chanlon Road
New Providence, NJ 07974
800-526-4902 ext. 8001