Many people see roadblocks when it comes to hiring a business attorney. Some people think it would be too expensive to keep a business lawyer on retainer. Others believe they can just handle the issue themselves. There are obviously things that business owners can do for themselves but having an attorney on retainer can save money and headaches in the long run.

When Do You Need a Business Attorney?

There are many reasons why a business would need the help and representation of an attorney such as a top austin business lawyer, including:

  • Any situation when an employee of any status is suing the business for any kind of discrimination or hostile work environment
  • Any time a complaint against the business is filed by a local, state, or federal government agency for the violation of any law
  • Any time the business is faced with an environmental issue, even if the business didn’t cause the problem and isn’t directly involved
  • Any time the business is negotiating the sale or addition of assets

These are all complex legal issues that business owners can’t handle on their own.

How Do You Hire a Business Attorney?

If you have reached the conclusion that you need a business lawyer, there are things to consider when making your choice.

  1. Assess Your Company’s Legal Needs

The answers to the following questions can help you conduct a more productive search for an attorney:

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  • What legal guidance is needed to prevent future liability?
  • Are there issues with the company’s daily operations?
  • What are the long-term and short-term goals for the business?
  • Are there capital management issues?
  • Does the company lease or need to purchase any commercial properties?
  • Do any assets need to be sold or acquired?
  • Will the company stay private or go public?
  • Will the company expand in the future
  1. Ask for Referrals – It’s always a good idea to ask trusted friends, business associates, and even other attorneys for recommendations. Word of mouth can still be the best advertising.
  2. Do the Background Work – When you have narrowed your search down to the best candidates, use all of the available resources, including the Internet, to find out about the candidate’s history, current employment, and complaints or praises.
  3. Set Up an Initial Consultation – This interview serve many purposes, such as:
  • Explaining the nature and needs of your business
  • Building a rapport with at least one candidate
  • Communicating your expectations

The interview is also a time to get a good feeling about how the candidate will think of your business in the future. The lawyer you choose should share your enthusiasm for your business and be willing to safeguard it from liability and keep it operating.

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask about fees – Transparency is crucial to making sure that an attorney will meet your needs at a cost your business can afford.
  2. Discuss Your Findings – Compare and contrast your candidate’s strengths and review each one’s plan to meet your business’ needs and future goals.

Making a Decision

Choose the attorney who will best meet the company’s needs and who has been transparent about how he or she will accomplish the goals. Sometimes it comes down to looking good on paper and sometimes it’s an instinct or intuition. In either case, it’s always best to have a business lawyer ready before you will need one.