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 business. Here’s a practical guide to help you find and work effectively with a business attorney.

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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. A referral from someone with similar legal 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 alternatives. Once you have a list of potential attorneys, evaluate them based on these factors:

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 helps if they have a basic understanding. The software industry is vastly different from construction, and familiarity can make a big difference in efficiency and advice.

Work Style

Just like other professionals, lawyers have 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 Attorney Fees and Billing

Before hiring an attorney, make sure you fully understand their rates and billing structure. Here are a few key considerations:

• 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. Explore Pixel Law’s fixed fees.
• Generally, larger firms charge more, but this isn’t always the case. 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 Lawyer

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. Explore Pixel Law’s fixed fees.

Right Attorney for the Right Time

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.

Ask Questions

If anything is unclear, ask your attorney. Their job is to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.

*This article is general in nature and is not legal advice.