It’s not unusual for business owners to assume they don’t need legal representation until problems arise. And this is one misconception that shouldn’t settle in the new year. Believe it or not, lawyers do not exist solely to get you out of trouble. Instead, their responsibility to you and your business cuts across a broad spectrum. Essentially, having a lawyer means getting timely advice on the proper course of action in many different situations. And rather than spending more on resolving issues, yan attorney can help you avoid such sticky problems entirely.

Think about how having a lawyer can improve your business Pexels/Ron Lach

First, Determine When You Need A Lawyer

To reiterate our earlier point, the sooner you establish a relationship with a qualified lawyer, the sooner you can reap the benefits. However, the size and focus of your business may determine how soon you’d need to partner with a lawyer. So while we advise starting your search from the moment of establishing your business, you may decide to hold off on it. A good thing to remember is that legal advice isn’t free. So consider your finances before making any decisions.

What’s the focus area of your business? Pexels/Olia Danilevich

Then Decide What Kind Of Lawyer is Needed

Once again, the type of business should be considered. Lawyers specialize in various fields, so you must be well aware of the specific needs of your business before hiring a lawyer that can capably fulfill those demands. For example, suppose you’re interested in forming a partnership, receiving funding from investors, or incorporating your business. In that case, you need a lawyer that can create business contracts—smart contracts included, develop partnership agreements and offer long-term legal counseling. Likewise, for intellectual property concerns, you need a lawyer with that specialty, and the same goes for tax-related issues.

A lawyer is more than an employee. They should be an extension of your business. Pexels/Pavel Danilyuk

Finally, Choose A Lawyer That Can Provide Other Useful Resources

Any good lawyer can perform basic tasks. But it takes an exceptional lawyer to offer valuable suggestions or point out areas of concern even before you become aware of them. An exceptional lawyer is needed to achieve your business goals and stay ahead of the competition. To find one, ask about the kinds of resources they can offer. For example, does their firm host regular events for clients? Does the lawyer belong to other associations that can prove beneficial to your business? Can they introduce potential partners and customers? These questions can offer insight into the quality of service to expect from the lawyer.