Running a business isn’t just about securing financing and ensuring that you have enough leverage to keep operating for as long as you want. When your enterprise grows, so does the complexity of your legal situation. As you earn more and take on more growth opportunities, you will have to think about what laws you will need to comply with to stay legitimate. Without proper legal advice, everything you’ve worked hard for up to this point will be all for nothing. It’s at this moment that you will see the value that a corporate lawyer brings to the table.
No matter your industry and the size of your business, you will have to make sure you have the right person informing you on what you should and should not do when it comes to such critical decisions as changing your business’s legal structure or cutting costs.
There’s also the prospect of dealing with copyright and other disputes from other brands, the costs of which could bleed your coffers dry. It’s only a matter of choosing a corporate lawyer to help handle these and more, so your business’s growth goes unhampered. Here’s how to find one that will make the most of your time and resources.
1. Understand Your Business’s Legal Situation
Considering that there are many firms and independent practitioners out there specializing in corporate law, it pays to know that not all of them could align with your business’s unique situation. Before you go out and enlist a lawyer on retainer or form a legal team for a corporation you’re starting, it’s crucial to outline your business’s top priorities.
If you’re launching a startup that has developed an innovative software solution, you may have to get a corporate lawyer with experience in handling IP registrations and battling complaints from more established brands. It’s also important to get an attorney with experience in environmental laws if your business belongs to an industry that has a significant impact on the environment. Setting the direction for your business will also help you narrow down your choice for a legal ally who will oversee your company’s growth and victories in legal battles.
2. Take Your Search Online
It would help if you could come up with criteria detailing the kind of corporate lawyer you want for your business. That way, you won’t have to spend too much time browsing social media and Google for possible firms and practitioners to contact. An online search is the most convenient way to hunt for the right legal expert, so long as you know how to filter out the ones you think won’t bring value to your business.
As a rule, check out your state’s local bar association website, which may feature a directory of practitioners that fit the bill. To further water down your options, check their social media pages and websites rich with content, where you can learn more about the competence they put into their practice as well as their experience in the area.
3. Focus on Their Experience And Networks
You can’t let a good-looking website or social media page become your only gauge for determining a corporate lawyer’s competence. Dig deeper into their educational background and see what landmark legal victories they have won for clients within your industry. The quality of their networks is also a good indication of how successful they will be as your legal ally.
Most corporate lawyers rely on litigation financing services, such as this website, and reach out to a long list of industry experts to build a strong case and represent their best interests. Therefore, it is crucial to know if they have that much leverage before bringing them on board.
4. Talk To Past Clients And Uncover Testimonials And Reviews
The best way to determine if a corporate lawyer is even worth the initial consultation is when satisfied clients back them up. Don’t let their selling points and value propositions keep you from knowing if they’re a good ally to have.
Talk to other business leaders whom they have worked with and see if you can find other people in the industry who can vouch for them. You know you’ve found the right match when all you hear are positive comments.
Endnote
As a business owner, securing your legal needs is as important as generating leads and enriching your brand. Keep these tips in mind so you will end up with an attorney who will help your business thrive.
