There are many issues that can happen that require a lawyer. When running a small business these issues can be at any part of the business. From its conception to the event that it has to be shut down. Getting a lawyer for your small business can happen quite often. This is why most businesses have a particular lawyer or firm that they work with on a regular basis. Below are some situations that may require a good business lawyer and how to see if a lawyer is a good fit for you.
Business structure
How a business is formed is one of the most important stages of a business. A small business has a lot of options when forming and it’s important to go over each one to see which one best fits them. A limited liability company, for example, means that the owners are not liable for the companies debts or liabilities. This is great because it protects small business owners from unfamiliar waters and bad happenings.
It’s best to at least sit down with a business lawyer to go over which type of incorporation would work best for them. If someone wants to go into business with multiple partners, then a limited liability partnership may be a better option. This way all partners can benefit from limited liability protection and form a partnership.
There are a whole host of other things to consider. How big does the business owner see their venture going? Do they want to remain private or go public one day? When all the possible variables start coming to mind it starts to get very confusing. So consulate a good lawyer before you start any paperwork.
Contracts
Contracts are meant to protect everyone involved. The time to consult a lawyer is before any trouble happens, not after. Lawyers can offer ways to prevent potential issues from becoming big problems. A contract lawyer can go over something like an employment contract and see if it’s a proper contract that complies with federal and state law. They can help when a small business wants to form something like a partnership contract.
A partnership contract is made when someone wants to go into business with another person and form a partnership. They can get complicated and are often pulled out when problems arise. These contracts often explain the responsibilities of each partner and what they are entitled to. They also explain what a partner can do if they want to separate from the partnership or how certain issues are resolved.
A good contract lawyer can make sure that contracts like these are written so everyone can understand them. They can also step in to explain these contracts when certain issues arise like who is responsible for what. It’s always best to consult a contract lawyer instead of doing it yourself.
Vetting a lawyer
Hiring a good lawyer can get complicated. Part of the vetting process could be checking their bar license to see if it’s in good standing. Checking the firm that they work with if they do work with one. An example of a good lawyer would be Douglas Healy. He has a lot of qualities that make a good lawyer and is easy to check up on via the internet.
Employment issues
This is a big issue. There are numerous federal and state laws that affect big and small businesses alike. Laws like equal opportunity and right to work can read like a foreign language to most business owners. This is where a lawyer skilled in labor law comes in handy. Like with the other examples, it’s best to do this as a preventive measure rather than wait until something happens. A bit of prevention can go a long way.
Wrapping it all up
Business lawyers are great for small businesses. Their work is best used as a preventive measure to avoid the many problems that a business could face. The type of business is one of the issues that can have a long-lasting effect. So getting it right is important. Vetting a lawyer, like with the Douglas Healy example, is important when looking to hire one. Issues like contracts and employment law compliance can often be managed with the right lawyer. Small businesses should look at hiring a good lawyer as part of their business plan, not just in emergencies
