BOOK of LISTS

Very few people actually like calling a lawyer, let alone going through the process of vetting a potential small business lawyer or paying for a lawyer. Most business owners tend to wait until things are dire and then settle on the first lawyer they can find. This is a shame, especially since hiring the right lawyer can really make all the difference, especially if done before things become dire.

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Very few people actually like calling a lawyer, let alone going through the process of vetting a potential small business lawyer or paying for a lawyer. Most business owners tend to wait until things are dire and then settle on the first lawyer they can find. This is a shame, especially since hiring the right lawyer can really make all the difference, especially if done before things become dire.

1. What is your practice area?

This is simple, in theory. You do not want to hire a divorce attorney to write your small business contracts. Find a lawyer who specializes in small business, if not the area your business operates in. General practice attorneys may be good at resolving a specific problem, but they may have difficulty helping you over the long term. The same applies to litigators.

2. Have you handled a case like this before?

Has the lawyer or the firm handled a case like this? Ideally, a potential small business lawyer will have experience with cases similar to yours. Now is also a great time to ask about the lawyer’s staff and their credentials, if applicable.

3. What is your turnaround time?

Got a tight deadline? Make sure your potential lawyer can work within your time frame. (Remember that hiring a lawyer need not only occur in a crisis. Hiring a lawyer early in the business process can give you more cost-effective options. Waiting until the last minute decreases your options and increases your costs.)

4. What is the cost and how do you process bills?

Billing is important. Ask a potential lawyer how he or she processes bills and if there are any flat rate services available. Does the lawyer have minimums (i.e., will he or she charge you for two-tenths of an hour simply for a 2-minute phone call)? What sort of retainer fees are required?

5. Do you have any conflicts of interest?

Getting sued? Don’t attempt to hire the opposing counsel. This seems obvious. It still happens. Make sure to choose a lawyer who is not presently against you and your business! Better yet, find an attorney who shares your same values around business. For example, if you’re a doctor, you probably don’t want to hire a medical malpractice attorney even though he or she may be good at defending you.

6. Why? And, do you like him or her?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! A good lawyer will explain the legal jargon to you. Be wary of a lawyer who refuses to elaborate or explain. Does he or she explain things at the right level, without making you feel stupid or foolish? Is he or she respectful of your time and timely in responding to you?

Source: Law 4 Small Business (www.l4sb.com)