How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Business
Companies of all sizes and across every industry will need a lawyer during the course of doing business. Some small business owners may only need to consult with an attorney every few years, while other businesses require ongoing — or even in-house — counsel.
Whether you are a small business owner deciding on the appropriate structure for your startup or a multi-national corporation merging with or acquiring a business , the Pasadena corporate lawyers at Parsus Law can help.
What is a Corporate Lawyer?
Business and corporate lawyers typically handle everything from business formation and contract writing to real estate transactions and mergers & acquisitions. Some of the most common matters handled by corporate attorneys involve:
• Contracts, including reviewing, drafting, and negotiating everything from customer contracts to cross-border mergers & acquisitions;
• Corporate governance, such as advising clients on their rights and responsibilities, drafting governance documents such as articles of incorporation and bylaws;
• Mergers & acquisitions, including performing due diligence, negotiating, and overseeing all aspects of the process;
• Employment issues, including employment contracts, handbooks and compliance with local employment laws;
• Tax matters, such as tax planning, compliance and audits
• Real estate transactions, including buying, selling, and leasing properties;
• Acquiring venture capital, such as helping companies find private and public capital to start or grow their business; and
Protecting the Intellectual property rights vis-à-vis various strategies including contracts, copyright, and trademark, etc.
A corporate lawyer can assist businesses in managing all legal aspects of the company’s day-to-day operations. This may also include providing support to the board of directors and executive officers in their respective roles. Contact a Pasadena corporate attorney today for more information.
Choosing the Right Corporate Attorney for Complex Matters
Generally speaking, business and corporate lawyers can handle all legal aspects of forming, running, and selling a business. But some attorneys specialize in certain areas of business & corporate law.
If your business requires counsel for more complex and sophisticated purposes, including mergers & acquisitions or securities law compliance, it is in your best interest to work with an attorney who has extensive experience in your particular area of need.
Not all corporate lawyers are created equal, and finding the right lawyer is critical to the operation and growth of your business, at every stage. By following the tips below, you can dramatically improve your chances of finding the best attorney for your unique needs and objectives.
• Ask for referrals and recommendations from people you trust, other business owners, and the American Bar Association and California Bar Association. If a person you trust recommends a lawyer who doesn’t practice in your area of need, ask that lawyer for a referral to someone who does.
• Research potential candidates online by checking ratings and reviews on Google, Yelp, Avvo, and social media, and by checking the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for ethical complaints against the attorney. You can also confirm that they are licensed by visiting the l Bar Association website of your state;
• Interview potential candidates and come to the interview prepared with a list of questions about their experience.
Choosing the wrong attorney can lead to unnecessary headaches, countless wasted hours, and significant financial loss. In the worst case scenario, poor legal representation can severely harm the health and reputation of your business. Alternatively, working with the right attorney who understands and aligns with your business goals and values can turn legal concerns into opportunities to overcome and learn effective ways to leverage the law for your benefit. Contact a Pasadena corporate lawyer today for a consultation.
How to Effectively Interview Attorneys
Your corporate attorney will be working closely with you and learning sensitive information about the operation of your business. As such, it is critical to choose someone you trust and with whom you get along.
Come to the interview with information about your business, your current situation or the issue you are facing, any related documents, and a list of questions for the lawyer. Many of these questions will be specific to the issue-at-hand, but we also recommend asking the following questions:
• How long have you been practicing law, and what do you specialize in?
• Do you have any experience in my specific legal matter or in my industry?
• Will you be my main point of contact, and how will you keep me informed of the progress of my matter?
• What is your fee structure, and are there any additional fees I’ll be paying for?
Watch out for “red flags” during the interview, such as a lawyer who seems dismissive, makes guarantees about the outcome of your case, or avoids answering questions about fees. Also, it’s important to trust your gut. If a particular attorney just doesn’t feel like the right fit, keep looking. In many ways, you’re putting the health and welfare of your business and financial future in this person’s hands, so it’s important to have good working chemistry!
Contact a Pasadena Corporate Attorney Today
At Parsus Law, we support businesses of all sizes, across all industries, and in every type of corporate legal matter. Our highly-skilled and knowledgeable legal team will partner with you to ensure the smooth operation and sustainable growth of your business. Do not make the mistake of trying to navigate these matters on your own, or with subpar legal counsel. Your business is an investment in your financial future, and you need a lawyer who will handle it with the utmost care and respect. Elevate the success of your business by contacting Parsus Law today.