10 Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Small Business Attorney

If you’re a business owner contemplating hiring a small business attorney in Jacksonville, Florida, it’s a given that you want some questions answered before taking the leap.

Due to the sensitive nature of the information being shared and the impact legal services may have on your business, here are 10 questions to ask during your initial consultation:

What’s Your Experience In Business Law?

Many general practice attorneys offer supplementary services. If you want fast and skilled legal services in business, however, a seasoned business attorney is the way to go. Ask your prospective lawyer about their track record in prepping contracts, completing franchise applications, or mediating conflict resolution cases, for example. More specifically, ask your lawyer whether they have direct knowledge about your industry.

How Is Conflict Resolution Handled?

Business court cases are oftentimes long and drawn out processes. If your goal is to mediate a dispute as quickly as possible, then working with a lawyer who offers arbitrary services first is best.

Will the Case Be Outsourced To Third Parties?

To avoid reiterating the details of your case, plus save time and hassles, be sure to clarify whether it will be directly handled by your consulting attorney. Many larger firms delegate small business cases to paralegals or associates.

Would Any Existing Clients Pose a Conflict Of Interest?

Guard your business territory by ensuring the lawyer you assign to case isn’t working with your competitors. This is essential when you have trademark information you’re unwilling to share with industry rivals.

Do You Respond Quickly To Inquiries or Updates?

In business, time is money. When your business is hanging in the balance due to a pending legal matter, you want a small business lawyer in Jacksonville, Florida, who communicates quickly. Campion Law is one such law firm that keeps you abreast of the latest developments in your case at all times.

What’s the Primary Method Of Communication?

Consider an attorney who makes it a point of duty to get in touch with you via your preferred method of contact. This could mean by phone, email, or an in-person meeting.

Define Your Rates?

Stay within budget by requesting a detailed and straightforward contract describing costs. Business law firms may charge by the hour or a flat rate. In addition, ask if any add-on fees are applied – just to be clear.

Are the Small Business Attorney Rates Negotiable?

Lawyers are seasoned negotiators and will oftentimes compromise or personalize rates – if you ask. There may be hidden ways to save on legal fees, such as prepping the preliminary report on your own, in some circumstances.

Are You Affiliated With Any Legal Groups?

One of the rules of thumb when choosing an attorney is to verify if they are members of the local Bar Association. This consideration is important because credible associations tend to vet members and keep them in the loop about the latest events in law.

Are Referrals an Option?

If your attorney isn’t confident about handling your case due to lack of time or experience, would they be open and willing to referring you to a competent associate? If the answer is yes, then this is an indication that your small business attorney has your best interest at heart.