What to Look for When Hiring a Business Attorney

Business owners may not always have hiring an attorney at the forefront of their minds. But legal counsel doesn’t just apply to litigation or when your business is already well-established. In fact, it would prove beneficial to consult with a business attorney even before starting your enterprise. This way, you can avoid legal troubles down the road and especially if you’re a first-time business owner. Here are some things for you to consider when hiring a business attorney.

Experience

Check how long your potential attorney and law firm have been practicing. But in addition to the number of years in their particular practice area, are they also experts in their field?  Look for proven success as you review their track record.

Proven Success

Here are a couple questions for business owners to consider: What kinds of businesses have they helped and in what capacity? What is their track record based on available testimonials? Your business attorney should have a firm understanding of the differences between small business needs and large corporations, and have demonstrated success in serving different types of businesses.

Legal Specialties

Choose an attorney that specializes in business law but consider the firm that the attorney’s a part of. Boutique firms (such as Hoffman & Forde) have access to legal professionals that specialize in other relevant fields that are beneficial to business owners.

Pricing

Find out if your attorney provides clients with a sensible billing structure that ensures there are no unnecessary fees or surprises.

Accessibility

Is the attorney an effective communicator and do you have access to their legal team? Choosing a business attorney that is accessible, compassionate, and communicates well makes a big difference. Accessibility demonstrates dedication to clients. 

How Our Southern California Law Firm Helps Businesses

Whether you’re considering pursuing a startup or already have a business that’s pivoting, our Southern California law firm strategically advises our clients on all stages of a business’ cycle, from formation to succession. Your business may opt to retain us to serve as if we are their in-house general counsel or as consultants during the formation phase.

Entity Formation & Planning

 Hoffman & Forde is engaged in all aspects of our clients’ business formation and development, from conception through liquidity. We provide business and legal guidance to clients through all stages of development, from initial incorporation, to seed and angel investments, venture capital debt and equity financing, strategic investments, and more.

Contracts

Contracts are key to any business. Our business consulting law firm has extensive experience in drafting tailored contracts to meet our clients’ needs, including terms and conditions, distribution agreements, customer contracts and non-disclosure agreements, breach of contracts, and more. If you need assistance with contracts, we can help.

Corporate Governance

Our business attorneys help clients develop and implement corporate governance policies and procedures, including employment policies, to foster best practices and to help meet clients’ obligations under applicable law. With policies changing more frequently because of coronavirus, employers need to be even more aware of their legal rights and responsibilities.

Consulting

We counsel employers on regulatory, legal, and human resources issues to ensure compliance with employment laws. We also help our clients establish policies, procedures, and guidelines essential to their businesses. At Hoffman & Forde, we help business owners keep up with their legal requirements and duties, and provide superior legal advice and planning. Learn more about our business consulting practice or contact our business attorneys for a complimentary consultation today.

Written By

Hoffman & Forde, Attorneys at Law