Why an attorney is essential for a new business owner
Finding the right attorney is a vital part of having a successful and secure business.
The first and smartest step a new business owner should take is to get an attorney to help him get started. The most important thing your lawyer will need to decide the appropriate business form for your new business. Your attorney can evaluate your particular circumstances. The attorney can also advise you as to which business form will give you and your assets the most protection from liability. When first starting your own business it seems impossible to imagine that a dissatisfied customers or an angry ex- employee might ever sue you. Believe it or not this could happen and you would rather be safe in this type of situation.
Depending on the amount of assets you have and how much exposure your company will have your lawyer will advise you as to whether you should operate your company as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation or perhaps a limited liability company. How you form your business involves decisions that will be crucial to the success of your business. It is vital that you involve your attorney in these essential decisions so that you can get your company off on the right foot. Your attorney may also be able to recommend the appropriate professionals, such as accountants when needed. If you do have a business partner you will want to consult your attorney so that he can work out the financial and other partnership issues involved in your business. You will do this so that you are fair to both you and your partners.
Your attorney can be a very important resource for conducting your business. Your attorney can advise you as to what type of insurance coverage you will need to protect your business and it’s assets, as well as your personal assets. You will want to consult your attorney on any contracts to which your business will be involved in. It is always a good idea to have your attorney present to review any contracts, including lease agreements before you sign them. Your attorney can also help you with any questions involving legal matters such as copyrights, patents or licenses. Another great time to have an attorney is when you hire or fire an employee. An employment lawyer is a great resource in designing a written personal policy that can protect you and your business. An attorney can also advise you of the legal consequences of certain personal decisions you may have to make. The best example is if you are planning to lay off an employee you can discuss first with the attorney to determine what the steps are that you should take and how to handle the matter so that it will not come back to haunt you.
Finally, if you think you may have to sue someone or think someone will sue you, you should talk to your attorney immediately. Most lawsuits involve strict time limits and should be dealt with on an urgent basis. This can be very true in cases of employment issues or worker’s compensation issues. These kinds of lawsuits can destroy a business and should be dealt with fast and appropriately. You will want to make sure that you find an attorney that fits your needs and that you feel comfortable with.
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Finding a good logo attorney is an essential task for any new business owner.
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