Whether you are involved in a new startup business, or are looking for legal advice for longstanding issues within your company, you may be looking at hiring a business lawyer. However, it’s important to note the difference between tasks that you can handle on your own, with a bit of common sense, and those that will definitely require the help of a qualified attorney. When you are in doubt, a safe rule of thumb is always to go in for a consultation, to learn more about your rights and what a legal team could do for you. There are several situations that most definitely require the use of a business lawyer, especially if you are running a small business. If you want to allocate profits and losses in a more complicated way for tax reasons, this could be a tricky situation. If one of your employees has threatened to sue your business for discrimination or other serious charges, then you will also need a lawyer. Smaller issues, such as purchasing land with environmental issues, or contributing property to a different partnership, will also necessitate legal counsel. Any mistakes in these areas could lead to serious losses, so it’s best to leave them in the hands of professionals.
Smaller issues of paperwork could also require the use of a business lawyer, if you haven’t had any experience with them in the past. That includes reserving a trademark for your business, applying for any required business licenses and permits, drawing up contracts, and drafting operating agreements or shareholder’s agreements. Although it’s possible to complete these tasks on your own, be sure that you have all the relevant information and are up to date on all current laws before you do so. When in doubt, it’s always best to seek legal advice. You can visit an attorney for a short consultation to learn more about what your options are, at the very least.
Many business owners will choose to work with a business lawyer from time to time, as part of a team. If you are fairly educated about basic legal and business issues, you can most likely handle the legal paperwork on your own. However, it’s a good idea to have a backup attorney that you can consult when you need contracts looked over, or to help give you advice whenever you have a question. Choosing a local lawyer is always recommended, so that you have someone on hand that is familiar with local rules and regulations.
