Many small business owners never think to consult a Miami business attorney until they encounter legal problems. However, having an attorney’s advice and guidance can help avoid legal problems. In addition, the money you think you save by not hiring an attorney for your small business could cost you much more money in the future.
Reasons Why a Lawyer is Necessary for Your Small Business
There are some matters that small business owners may handle on their own. However, a small business owner can benefit from legal advice on most business matters. Examples of matters that a small business owner should consider discussing with a business lawyer include:
- Choosing a legal structure for your company (i.e., sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, etc.)
- Creating legal documents for the company (i.e., business plan, partnership agreements, operating plans, buy-sell agreements, employment agreements, contracts, etc.)
- Applying for trademarks, patents, and copyrights
- Protecting confidential information with confidentiality agreements and non-compete agreements
- Applying for necessary permits and business licenses
- Creating a privacy policy and Use of Terms policy for a business website
- Creating contracts and agreements for hiring independent contractors
- Creating corporate books, minutes of meetings, and other corporate documents and records
- Filing required documents with the Internal Revenue Service and other tax entities
- Developing anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies for the workplace
The above list is not an exhaustive list of the matters business attorneys handle. While you do not need to hire a business lawyer to handle many business matters, one goal should be to prevent problems. Legal problems are costly. Hiring an attorney to provide legal advice and guidance could prevent the need to hire a business litigation lawyer.
When to Hire a Business Attorney in Miami, FL?
Contact a business litigation attorney immediately if you receive notice of a claim against your company or are served with a lawsuit. The time to respond to a lawsuit is limited. Failing to respond to the lawsuit promptly may result in a default judgment. Furthermore, responding to a lawsuit without seeking legal advice could result in losing the lawsuit.
Compliance issues are another example of when you need to hire a business attorney. Lawyers can help ensure your company complies with local, state, and federal laws. Failing to comply with regulations and laws can result in costly fines and penalties.
Protecting yourself from personal liability is another reason to hire a business attorney. Many small business owners co-sign liabilities and may use personal assets as collateral for business loans. By doing so, they put their personal property in jeopardy.
Likewise, choosing a business entity can result in a higher degree of liability for the business owner. Therefore, before choosing a legal entity, it is wise to learn more about the pros and cons of each business entity from a lawyer.
Contact Our Miami Business Attorney for a Consultation
Our Miami business attorney can help you with questions regarding business formation, litigation, employment issues, and other business matters. You may not need an attorney for every legal issue. However, seeking legal advice before problems arise can help avoid costly mistakes and future litigation. It can also help you focus on making your business a success instead of becoming bogged down in legal issues. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
