https://legal.com explained "never let your enterprise cause you to small minded." Think about yourself because the CEO. Every great CEO surrounds him/herself with really bright people.You will need some smart attorneys on your side.
You probably don't think you need a business attorney. However when you find out you will need one, it's usually too late. Although you may think you do not need an attorney right now, it is critical to have relationships with one. You never know when you will need one.
Smart business attorneys can prevent problems from happening. Even though it can cost you money to employ one, the money you spend could be much lower than the money it could cost you to deal with a major problem. You need an attorney that is in your corner. You will need someone that can protect you from doing things the wrong manner.
Go out and network and establish relationships with several different types of attorneys:
A small business transactional attorney (contracts and business deals)
An employment law attorney (inquire further about employee handbooks)
An intellectual property attorney (patents/copyrights/trademarks)
Litigation attorney (just tell them about your biz)
Here are 8 things you have to know when working with attorneys
1. If you work with clients, suppliers, vendors an attorney can make a contract that protects you. It's better to be safe than sorry. The devil is in the facts... CYA big time here. I can't tell you just how many clients of mine have gotten screwed because they didn't have their clients sign a really good contract.
2. Hire a small business attorney who focuses on the area you need. There is only so far a general attorney may take you before s/he must refer you out to an expert. For example, if you want an attorney to draft contracts which you can use with your clients, don't hire a family group law attorney.
3. If you hire an attorney that is clearly a solopreneur and not section of a big firm, you'll most likely pay less hourly rate. While which could great, it's important that you should know that your attorney might not have access to the resources a larger firm does - other attorneys, more support staff, etc.
4. Hire an attorney through a referral. Get references and call them. Also check linked in.
5. Hire a small business attorney that believes in you and your business. They need to buy into your vision and give you support as you grow. Make sure they are an advocate for you, and work with you. For example, if they say "you can't do this," maybe they should brainstorm with one to see "ways to do that."
6. Be very clear what's on the clock and what's off the clock. Most attorneys work hourly. Their time is money. In the event that you ask them to do something, make sure you know upfront just how much it's going to cost you. The last thing you want is really a financial surprise. Be sure you understand how they bill for once you send them emails.
7. Assuming you have created something or service, you may want to file a trademark with the united states patent office. You definitely should consider working with an intellectual property attorney. In the end, why not protect something that you have worked so hard to create?
8. Who is going to do the task? The attorney you are hiring? Their junior associate attorney? The paralegal? Sometimes attorneys will hand off a number of the grunt work to a junior associate or paralegal. That may save you some cash, but make sure that your attorney will thoroughly review the task and be actively involved with your stuff.
Go out and talk with one attorney next week. Just one. You won't ever know when you will require one in your corner.
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