If you want to start a business, you need to surround yourself with the right people. One of the first professionals you need on your team is a business planning attorney.
A legal advisor can assist you with various aspects of starting up your business. He or she will be able to offer legal advice to avoid problems down the road.
It is essential for you to understand the value of hiring a business attorney because this decision can have a big impact on the future of your endeavors.
You Should Really Speak with a Lawyer Before You Sign That
Starting a business requires a lot of paperwork. Before you sign anything or enter into any type of agreement, you need a business planning attorney to look over the paperwork.
FindLaw explains you will need to have a lawyer assist you with everything from choosing your business entity to drawing up contracts. You want legal advice as you register your business and to help ensure you get every permit or license you must have to operate legally.
A lawyer for a business startup can also help you ensure you conform to any special rules or laws concerning your business industry. Also, an attorney will be of great assistance when it comes to taxes.
Above all else, having a small business attorney will give you a professional who can represent your business and act as a guide to help you through all the legal processes you must go through.
Building a Relationship with an Attorney Before You Get Started
You will need to find the right attorney with which to work. It is important that you begin by looking for someone with whom you feel comfortable. You can start by making a list of questions to ask when hiring a business attorney.
Asking Questions
The first thing you need to inquire about is experience. You need to know the lawyer has a background in business law. He or she should have previous work in the field with provable achievements.
It is also good to ask about connections within the business world. You want an attorney who has referrals ready when you need them for other professionals, such as an accountant.
It is also a good idea to make sure the lawyer understands your industry. Every industry has its own intricate details you must know when starting a business. It is helpful if the attorney you hire already is familiar with the requirements and legislation concerning the type of business you wish to start.
Starting a Search
Once you know what questions you want to ask, you can then think about looking for potential attorneys. You may want to start with a search for a ‘business attorney near me’. Using someone local will help ensure he or she is available and easily accessible.
You may also use search terms with dates, such as 2011 attorney business plan, or more specific terms, such as corporate lawyer for hire.
Working with the Attorney
When you find and hire a business planning attorney, you will need to ensure you keep a good relationship with him or her. Start on the right foot by providing the lawyer with all the paperwork he or she will need, such as your business plan, banking information, contracts, and expense reports.
You should also talk about your expectations. Set a meeting schedule and let the attorney know what you wish to get help with. You should also talk about the small business lawyer cost.
Always show up on time for meetings, and always pay your bill on time. Doing these two things will help you to stay a priority for your attorney. If you fail to do them, it can harm your relationship.
Cultivating strong business relationships is an essential part of business, and this includes building a good one with your attorney. Do not take him or her for granted because your lawyer is going to help your business in so many ways.
When You’re Not Sure About an Aspect of Business, Consult an Attorney
Once you have an attorney on staff, you should make use of him or her when needed. Do not be afraid to consult with your attorney on anything. You should never wait too long to talk to the lawyer about a legal issue.
Entrepreneur explains if you are already facing legal troubles, it is too late to get the right guidance you need. Keep your attorney in the loop on everything and never hide something from him or her.
Making good use of your legal professional can help in so many ways. Your attorney is there to assist with all the aspects of your business, and if he or she cannot help, then to offer a referral to another professional who can.
The Small Cost of Having an Attorney Review Your Contract
It is worth mentioning that you need to have your attorney review every contract you enter into. Contracts are such a large part of any business. Your business planning attorney should be more than happy to assist with reviewing documents before you sign them.
Your attorney can also help negotiate contracts and ensure you get the best terms.
Doing this one thing can save you a lot of time and prevent you from harming your business with a bad decision. So, if you use your business attorney for nothing else, at least involve him or her in all contract deals.
Wrapping Up
A business planning attorney is a must-have if you want to start your business off on the right foot. Having a legal professional on your side can help you to avoid numerous issues along the way.
You can save money and time by hiring a lawyer as one of the first decisions you make for your business.
Just make sure you choose someone who has skills in your industry and a familiarity with business in general. Then, make sure to build a good relationship with him or her. You should then feel as if your attorney becomes like a partner who helps you run a successful business.
An Outsourced CEO and expert witness, Jim Thomas is the founder and president of Fitness Management USA Inc., a management consulting, turnaround and brokerage firm specializing in the gym and sports industry. With more than 25 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, Thomas lectures and delivers seminars, webinars and workshops across the globe on the practical skills required to successfully overcome obscurity, improve sales, build teamwork and market fitness programs and products. Visit his Web site at: www.fmconsulting.net or www.youtube.com/gymconsultant.
