Businesses will find it in their best interest to have the most suitable legal representation. Aside from an accountant, a business lawyer is one person that your business will need even before you find yourself facing a legal problem. The idea of hiring a lawyer for your business is to ensure that you avoid legal entanglements that may arise from ignorance or violation of the law. How do you find the best one for your business?
Area of Expertise
There are many types of lawyers with each having a specialization. Thus, a business lawyer’s forte is not the same as that of a criminal defense lawyer. Business owners would do well to hire a business lawyer since it is his kind of expertise which will most likely be needed in the company’s course of operation. It should be noted however that business people who find themselves facing a criminal suit including personal cases, will have much use for a reliable criminal defense lawyer. In essence, the kind of lawyer that will be needed depends on the nature of work expected to be performed. Business lawyers typically take care of business matters including contracts, business organizations, real estate, taxes and licenses, and intellectual property, among others. No lawyer will know every aspect of law.
Experience
In the legal arena, experience of lawyers in actual scenarios is always an advantage. Business owners will be paying their lawyers and it is never cheap. It would be best therefore to find one who will really work and has extensive experience in the expected work scope. It is critical to hire a lawyer who is familiar in the specific industry in which your business belongs to. This removes all the unnecessary guess work and additional costs typically incurred due to unfamiliarity.
Communicates Well
Communication is not only about fluency in language. It has much to do with the ability to send information clearly especially to clients. A good lawyer is able to explain to the client what needs to be understood on the client side. All options must be provided and the most appropriate legal advise is expected to be given by the lawyer without being asked. Many lawyers do not explain all the legal options available to a client. Client-companies usually expect explanation of options which makes complete sense.
There are a lot of other factors to consider like the location of the office and the rate. Location is a real issue when it becomes necessary to meet with lawyers frequently. Rates must be clear so clients will know what to expect.
Originally posted on July 27, 2014 @ 10:28 pm