California Business Attorneys
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If you are a small business or startup in California and you have been putting off hiring a business attorney, consider this your wake-up call. A business lawyer will help your new business in more ways than you would expect. They can benefit your new company in some of the following ways:
- Civil lawsuits
- ADA lawsuits
- Employment disputes
- Contract disputes
- Incorporation
- Contracts
- Tax law
- Franchise contracts
- Employment law and practices
- Termination policies
- Partnership agreements
- Intellectual property protection
- Venture capital fundraising
- Shareholder contracts
- Real estate contracts
They can help your business in additional ways, depending on your and your company’s needs. “Before hiring a startup lawyer, make a list of the types of legal help you need so that you can find a lawyer with complementary skills,” said Brad Nakase, a California business lawyer at the law firm Nakase Wade.
Because business law incorporates many other types of law, most business attorneys will have additional areas of expertise, such as employment law, ADA law, contract law, etc. If the attorney works in a large law firm, there may be a large number of specialties under one roof to help their corporate clients. During your business’s lifetime, you will need assistance from most of these areas of expertise.
How to Find a Business Lawyer in California
California being the home of startups, it makes sense that there are a large number of business lawyers in the state. Finding the right one for your company can take a little bit of time, similar to the process of hiring anyone for your company. For example, if you’re search for an attorney to assist with employees, an employment lawyers can help you.
How to Find a Lawyer
Before you start finding a business lawyer, take the time to work out what is important to your company. This might be a corporate attorney who works with businesses of your size or one who specializes in your industry. Consider the following things:
- Business size – An attorney who works with businesses your size will have fees that work for businesses your size. While it might seem like a law firm that works with tech giants would be really skilled, they will often have higher fees than one that works with mom and pop companies.
- Industry – Each industry has its own regulations and specific laws. You need an attorney who is familiar with your industry or product to ensure your business is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Business structure – If your business is a franchise or a partnership, then you may have to set it up in a particular way. There may be additional agreements and contracts to negotiate that will have a huge impact on future business decisions.
Once you know what type of lawyer you are looking for, go online and search for business attorneys in online legal directories. Research thoroughly, looking at industry news, website resources, and client reviews. Many industry news sources and lawyer’s own websites will discuss their successful cases.
Another great way to find a business attorney is to ask other business owners for the names of lawyers they have worked with. These are more personal as you are receiving recommendations of business lawyers they found helpful.
How to Determine If the Lawyer Is Suitable
The best way to know if a business lawyer is suitable for your startup is to interview potential candidates. Lawyers offer a free consultation so they can meet prospective clients, and both parties can decide if they want to work together. During this consultation, ask plenty of questions based on the criteria you created.
Here are some questions to get you started:
- Tell me about your experience with companies like mine
- How do you communicate with your clients?
- What are your areas of expertise?
- What other areas of expertise do you offer within your law firm?
- Do you have a strong network if I need referrals?
- How do you educate your clients?
- What are your fees?
- Do you foresee any conflicts of interest?
- Will other people work on my business?
- Have you had experience with XYZ issue?
Evaluating the business lawyer’s personality is just as important. Were they on time for the free consultation, or were they running behind? Did they listen to your questions and take the time to give informative answers? There are a number of factors that go into the suitability of a business attorney, and since you will be working closely, personality is one of them.
If your business lawyer is not a solo practitioner, chances are you will be dealing with other members of their legal team. This might be associates, partners, clerks, or paralegals, even receptionists. Observe the other members of staff that you see or meet while you are at the law firm for your consultation. Chances are, you will work with them or at least talk to them at some point.
Other Things To Consider When Hiring a Small Business Lawyer
We hope that you have found a business lawyer who suits your company’s needs using the above steps. There are a few other things you need to know about hiring a business attorney.
How to Save Money on Legal Fees
The best way to save money on your legal fees is to be aware of things that do not need legal assistance. Some of the below tasks can be handled yourself or with the help of a business coach or an accountant.
- Writing a business plan
- Creating employment practices and policies
- Applying for loans from traditional lenders
- Choosing a domain name
- Hiring staff
- Setting up or conducting payroll
- Applying for business licenses
Understand How The Fees Work
You need to have a good understanding of how the fees work for business lawyers so that you can budget for your legal assistance. Along with knowing how much your business attorney will charge for their hourly rate or for certain tasks, you should know if they use any of the following fee structures:
- Hourly rate – As straightforward as it sounds, the business lawyer will charge you for each hour they work. They may have minimum times, so even a quick task may end up costing you an hour; check this when discussing rates.
- Contingency fees – If you file a lawsuit to recover damages or compensation, then your attorney may choose this fee structure. You will only pay them if you win, and you will pay a percentage of what they recover.
- Flat fee – Some tasks may be charged at a set rate, especially simple tasks like creating a contract or incorporating. There are no nasty surprises, and the rate will be as quoted.
- Retainer agreement – You pay the attorney each month to stay on their books as a client. They will complete tasks you require in a timely manner and will have time set aside for you. You will still pay your attorney, even if you did not require their services that month.
An attorney may use a combination of the above fee structures, depending on the particular task they are doing for your business. If you are ever unsure about the fees or fee structure, talk to your business lawyer and ask for more information. You need to be clear about how it will work before they start work.