Questions to Ask While Hiring a Business Law Attorney
If you are a business owner, you know that there are many things to keep track of. One of those things is to comply with all applicable business laws. It can be a daunting task, but it can be handled easily with the help of a business law attorney.
But how do you go about choosing the right attorney for your needs?
Here are seven questions to ask while hiring a business law attorney.
1) How Long Have You Been Practicing Business Law?
The basic question you should ask is how long the attorney has been practicing business law. It will give you some insight into their experience level.
An expert business law attorney in Maryland will know the ins and outs of business law. They will also know how to handle your specific case in the best way possible.
You should ask the attorney about their education and credentials. Make sure they have a JD from an accredited law school. You should also inquire about their experience working with businesses in Maryland.
2) Do You Have Experience With The Type Of Business Owned?
Corporate law is a vast and complicated area. There are different types of businesses, from LLCs to S-Corps to C-Corps, and each type has its own set of rules and regulations. You want to make sure that the attorney you’re hiring has experience with the specific type of business you own.
For example, asset acquisition lawyers in Annapolis, MD, are ideal for businesses growing rapidly and needing to purchase new property or equipment. On the other hand, if you’re a startup, you might want an attorney specializing in business formation.
In case of bankruptcy, you might need an Annapolis business lawyer who is also a certified public accountant and can help you with the financial aspects of your case.
Ask about the attorney’s experience with businesses like yours to know you’re getting the best possible representation.
3) What Is Your Fee Structure?
The total charges by a lawyer will include: the lawyer’s hourly rate; any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the lawyer on your behalf (such as filing fees or expert witness fees); and, in some cases, a “success fee” if the lawyer obtains a recovery for you. Be sure to ask your lawyer about their billing practices before hiring them.
For example, Easton insurance lawyers in Maryland will charge for document review, client intake, and case assessment hourly. If the lawyer needs to file a motion or attend a hearing, they will bill you for that time as well. If the lawyer successfully settles your case or takes it to trial, they may charge a success fee on top of their other charges.
4) Are There Any Other Expenses You Should Expect?
You may have additional expenses outside the attorney’s fees, like filing fees or expert witness fees. Ensure you understand what those will be and how they will be billed, so there are no surprises later.
Asking these questions upfront will help you hire the right business law attorney for your needs and avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
5) What Are Your Qualifications?
Depending on your business and the legal services you need, you will want to ensure your attorney has the appropriate qualifications.
Additionally, you should inquire about your potential attorney’s educational background and whether they have any relevant certifications or licenses.
You can also ask about their professional memberships and if they have authored any publications in business law. These are all indicators of whether an attorney is current on trends and issues in business law and whether they will be able to provide you with the level of service you need.
6) Do You Have Malpractice Insurance?
Malpractice insurance protects you if your attorney makes a mistake that causes you to lose your case or suffer other damages.
It’s important to ask if your potential attorney has this type of insurance, as it can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.
Do some research on the lawyer’s background before making your final decision.
7) What Are Your Availability and Hours?
It is essential to know because you will need to be able to contact your attorney when necessary, and you need to know that they will be available during business hours.
Final Thoughts
Business laws are complex, and they vary from state to state. If you’re starting a business or have an existing business, it’s essential to have a reasonable business law at