How to Find and Work with a Business Lawyer

Small business owners often struggle to find and work with attorneys, but having the right lawyer can make all the difference for your new or existing business. Here’s a practical guide to help you find and work effectively with a business attorney.

(Related Guides:  How to find an accountant   |   How to find an insurance broker/agent)

Tips for Finding the Right Business Attorney

The best way to find a business attorney is through referrals, especially from other business owners in your industry. Referrals from people who have similar needs can lead you to a lawyer who is competent, understands your industry, and works in a way that aligns with your business style.

If you can’t get a referral, searching online or contacting your local bar association are good options. Once you have a list of potential attorneys, consider the following when evaluating them:

• Relevant Experience: Look for an attorney who has specific experience with your legal needs. A generalist or someone who lists many unrelated practice areas may not be the best choice. For example, a criminal defense lawyer isn’t the right fit for filing a trademark.
• Industry Knowledge: While your attorney doesn’t have to be an expert in your industry, it certainly helps if they have a basic understanding. For instance, the software industry is vastly different from construction, and familiarity can make a big difference.
• Work Style: Just like other professionals, lawyers have their own unique work styles. Find a lawyer whose approach matches yours. Whether you prefer phone calls over email, or digital records instead of paper, it’s important to be on the same page.

Understanding Legal Fees and Billing

Before hiring an attorney, make sure you fully understand their rates and how they bill. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

• Most business lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $250 to $750 in places like Boulder and Kansas City. Always ask for an estimate upfront and keep track of their hours to avoid surprises.
• If possible, request that lower-cost professionals within the firm handle simpler tasks to help manage your budget.
• Many lawyers offer fixed fees for specific services, such as setting up an LLC or drafting certain agreements. Make sure you understand what is included in a fixed fee and what isn’t. See our pricing page for example.
• Generally, larger firms charge more, but this isn’t always the case. Be sure to compare services and expertise rather than just focusing on price.
• While fees are important, they shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing a lawyer. You want someone who fits your business needs and style.

Building a Productive Relationship with Your Attorney

Setting clear expectations from the beginning can make all the difference in how well your attorney-client relationship works. Here are a few tips for working effectively with your lawyer:

• Communicate Your Goals: Make sure your lawyer understands what you’re hoping to achieve. Depending on the legal situation, your goals might not always be possible, but open communication is key.
• Establish Communication Preferences: If you prefer regular phone updates or if email works better for you, let your attorney know. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings.
• Discuss Fees Upfront: As mentioned, never skip over the conversation about fees and billing practices.
• Ask Questions: If anything is unclear, ask your attorney. Their job is to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.

Additional Considerations

• Right Attorney for the Right Stage: Keep in mind that the right attorney for an early-stage startup may not be the best choice when you have hundreds of employees or are scaling internationally. Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to use different firms as your business evolves.
• You Get What You Pay For: There are plenty of low-cost or even free legal resources available, and sometimes they work well for basic needs. However, remember that you often get what you pay for. For complex issues, it’s worth investing in quality legal help.

(This article is general in nature and is not legal advice.)