3 Mistakes Small Business Owners Make When Hiring a Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer provides numerous benefits for small businesses, but you want to make sure that you select the right one, so don’t commit these common mistakes.
1. Hiring a Friend or Family Member
It might be tempting to hire a relative or an old friend, but you’re better off finding a local lawyer with the exact expertise you’re after. It’s unlikely that your acquaintance will be exactly suited to meet your individual needs, but even if they are it is wise to look for an outsider.
Lawyers should be able to provide you with impartial advice, so it’s easier to deal with one who isn’t already a part of your life. People often assume that things will run smoother with someone they know, but this is rarely the case.
2. Prioritising Lawyers from a Larger Firm
Finding legal assistance from a large law firm isn’t necessarily the wrong thing to do, but it’s usually not something you need to worry about. To start with, unless you happen to be running a multi-million pound company, these firms will generally reserve their top-tier employees from large, high profile cases, and you might not find that you’re being properly taken care of.
Smaller businesses generally work better with smaller law firms. They will be more likely to specialise, and also more likely to give you the time and attention which you deserve.
3. Not Checking Areas of Expertise
Hiring a lawyer with experience in your area means that they’ll possess a pre-existing knowledge of structures, regulations, and potential problem areas which other lawyers – even those with more overall experience –might have missed.
Take the time to check out their background. Each firm and lawyer should have their own website, but it’s becoming easier to check them out on sites like LinkedIn, since you can check areas of expertise and look for any connections within your industry. Alternatively, ask any contacts currently working in your field for recommendations or referrals.
Once you’ve found a lawyer who meets your requirements, make sure you book an initial consultation, and go over everything which is on your mind. Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find the right fit.
