by C L Smith

Created on: October 12, 2010   Last Updated: January 18, 2012

Many people who own a small business have no prior experience as an entrepreneur. As a result, the new small business owner may not be aware of their legal rights and responsibilities in relation to the  operation of the business. In that major obligations are often incurred as one establishes a business and many circumstances involving the purchase of real estate, signing contracts and leases, and other major financial transactions can be confusing for a novice, it may be wise to consult an attorney. An experienced attorney can analyze the legal implications of the business, offer advice and determine the best way to protect your rights as a small business owner. In addition, an attorney can guide you through any necessary court procedures, filing requirements, and other details that you might overlook which could have significant consequences to your business. Therefore, you should take care in selecting the attorney who will best accommodate your small business needs.

The Attorney Selection Process

Meeting with several attorneys who are members of different law firms will help you determine what aspects of the attorney client relationship are most important to you and what professional is most likely to meet the needs of your particular small business. During this interview process, consider the attorney's area of expertise, their prior experience and reputation, the convenience of their office location, their fee schedule, the estimated time required to meet the legal needs of your business, and the likelihood that the attorney will in fact be available to perform the required services in light of the existing obligations of their practice.

Also essential to a good client-attorney relationship is the ability of the attorney to communicate with you in a language that you understand and with an attitude that engenders trust and confidence in their legal abilities. These skills will also increase the probability that the attorney will take the time and effort required to keep you well informed about any issues that they handle for you. In addition, you should consider if the attorney-client relationship might be enhanced if you select a lawyer of a certain age or gender. After all, you must be confident that the lawyer you hire will do their best to protect your legal rights. Equally important is the need to be cautious of any attorney who guarantees particular results in that the settlement of legal issues are never 'sure things'.

Attorney Referrals

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