Lawyers represent the most important of all relationships for any business. After all, your lawyer is essentially your business’s legal representative and its trusted advisor explains William D King. But while you might automatically assume you need a lawyer to handle certain aspects of starting and running your business, there are many things about lawyers and their role in your business that you may not know yet.
Here is what every entrepreneur needs to know when hiring their first lawyer.
1) A Lawyer Is Not Necessarily the Best Person in Your Company to Handle Legal Issues for You or Your Business
It’s true that a lot of people think that they’ll just hire a lawyer to handle all of their company’s legal issues, but this isn’t always the best idea. Lawsuits, probate issues and other legalities can be a lot for a small entrepreneur to handle on his or her own, but it’s important to remember that your lawyer is there to provide guidance and advocacy as well as help you make the best possible decisions for your business.
2) You Need a Professional Relationship with Your Lawyer – Not a Friend
A good working relationship with your company’s lawyer must remain professional at all times. Remember that lawyers are not there to be your friend or give you inside information about how they think you should handle certain aspects of your business – even if they do feel close enough to you that they would tell you their personal opinions. Instead, a good lawyer will keep business confidential and always give you their professional opinion on what you should do next.
3) A Lawyer Is Not Required To Meet With You in Person, Especially If Your Issues Are Easy To Resolve
You don’t necessarily have to meet with your lawyer in person if your legal issue is an easy one to resolve explains William D King. Many people think that they need to schedule a meeting or conference call with their lawyers for every single thing they face – but this doesn’t have to be the case. Some issues can be sent back and forth through email, for example, so you won’t have to schedule meetings at inconvenient times just because you need something from your lawyer.
4) You Need an Advocate For Your Business-Not Just Someone Who Writes Contracts on Your Behalf
It’s true that lawyers often write contracts and other legal documents for you, but they shouldn’t be the only person who helps you with these things. In fact, a good legal advisor knows that it’s important to sit down with their clients and discuss contract terms as well as decide upon them together. Only then will you truly understand what is best for your business – not just what the lawyer believes should go into a contract.
5) Your Lawyer Will Work To Ensure That You Are the One Making All of the Decisions for Your Business-Not Them
One of the worst things a lawyer can do is make decisions about your business instead of working solely to advise you on what steps must be taken next These types of lawyers are known as “hired guns” – the kind of lawyers who will do whatever it takes to win a case or accomplish what their client wants, even if it means going against what they know is best for your company. True legal professionals work for you and always put your interests first.
6) Your Lawyer shouldn’t be someone you’re Afraid to talk to or ask Questions Of
Many entrepreneurs feel that they have to hire a lawyer that looks or acts a particular way. But this isn’t true at all says William D King. Instead, think about an attorney’s experience as well as the services he or she provides before making a final decision. On which lawyer is truly right for your business. Not only should you be able to contact them whenever you want to. But your lawyer should make you feel comfortable as well.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a lawyer but don’t know where to start, don’t worry! The key is to always look out for the qualities above and remember that it’s possible. To find a professional who fulfills all of them. Once you do, your business will reap the many rewards. Including peace of mind-that come from having an excellent legal professional by your side.