If you are starting a new business then initial few years are very crucial for the survival of your business as there can be number of legal issues that you may have to go through. Therefore, during this phase if you hire a suitable lawyer then it will make your path much easier.
Exactly when you must hire a lawyer will depend more in the type of business that you are in and under what circumstances you are carrying out your business, etc. You need to understand the situation when you will find plenty of legal issues cropping up, which will possibly hinder further progress of your business.
In a place like Tarpon Springs, which is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States, you will find plenty of experienced lawyers. It will therefore be a good idea to get in touch with a good Tarpon Springs business lawyer who can help you in resolving various issues.
Some of the issues handled by lawyers are, compliance with various regulations, partnership deals, loan negotiations, making any sale agreements, obtaining patents or trademark, tax planning, creating various business forms, preparing employee contracts etc. If any issue arises, then your lawyer can stand by you in the court and defend your case.
Many new business entrepreneurs often think that it is better to wait for the moment when legal issues crop up and then they prefer to contact a lawyer. That is not a very good idea as you need certain amount of time to develop trust and understanding with the lawyer and hence it is preferable to hire one during initial stage itself. In fact, the relationship with lawyer needs little time to develop.
How to choose your lawyer?
It is better to get recommendation from your business colleagues or friends who are involved in similar kinds of business like yours. You must not only get their names but also little feedback about the lawyer’s way of handling legalities. You may also contact the local bar association to get reference about lawyers.
After collecting few names, you must start interviewing them. You must tell them that you are interested to partner with for a long-term relationship. Watch how many of them are ready to meet you for initial discussion without charging any fees.
You may describe about your business and your various legal requirements and look for following qualities of the lawyer:
- Experience
Make sure that the lawyer has experience related to your business and is willing to take up even smaller issues.
- Understanding
Since, you are looking for long-term relationship, ensure whether lawyer is looking at you from that perspective or not.
- Communication
Check whether the lawyer communicates his point with sufficient clarity.
- Availability
See whether you can get the lawyer at your convenience.
- Rapport
Can you get along with him? Since you will discuss many issues that are very close to your heart and hence good rapport is essential.
- Fees
Can you afford his fees?
- Any reference
It will be nice to get few references too with whom he has worked.
You must also make an agreement with the lawyer, while hiring.