questions to ask when hiring a business attorney

by Betty Hermann I 9 min read

8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Business Attorney.

  • 1.) What do they charge? Let’s get the big question out of the way first. As a small business owner, you’re very cost-conscious. In fact, you probably ...
  • 2.) Do they require a retainer?
  • 3.) What type of clients do they usually work with?
  • 4.) Can you vet them for free?
  • 5.) What are their specialties?

Full Answer

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Feb 12, 2013 · Here are 10 key questions to help you find an attorney who is just the right fit for your business: How much experience do you have with my industry? Such issues as intellectual property, franchise...

How to evaluate a business attorney?

Nov 23, 2018 · The majority of attorneys will require you pay capital upfront as a retainer. If the attorney does ask for this, it is essential you ask if you can get a refund on any amount that you do not use. Question #3: Are They Or Were They A Business Owner? Ideally, when hiring a business attorney, you should find one that either owned or owns a business.

What should I ask before hiring an attorney?

Jan 17, 2020 · Hiring a Workers Comp Lawyer March 14, 2022; How Can Intake Call Centers Benefit Law Firms? February 15, 2022; Hiring a Suitable Workers Compensation Lawyer February 15, 2022; Everything You Need to Know About Personal Injury Attorneys February 6, 2022; Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Virginia: What You Need to Know January 31, 2022; Differences Between a …

How do you know the right business questions to ask?

Before hiring an attorney, there are some questions that you need to ask to ensure you are hiring the right person for the job, including: 1. Ask the Attorney Whether They Require a Retainer. Some lawyers will require a retainer before they can take up the case in court. Well, paying the retainer is not an issue. You should go ahead and ask whether it is refundable. The business …

See more

Apr 03, 2022 · The first thing you should ask an attorney is how many years they have been practicing law and their practice areas. You should hire an attorney who has expertise in the area that you require representation or advice. For instance, if you are selling a business, seek help from an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in handling business law cases. Have …

image

What questions should I ask a corporate lawyer?

General QuestionsHow long have you been practicing law?What do you specialize in?What are your main roles and duties? What goes beyond that scope?How do you bill?What companies do you generally work with? ... Are you experienced with startups?Are you familiar with the laws of incorporation in my specific state?

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•Apr 13, 2018

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

What qualities would you look for when hiring a lawyer?

7 Qualities to Look for in a Lawyer Before HiringExcellent Communication Skills. First, you want to make sure to find a lawyer with good communication skills. ... Research and Analytical Skills. ... Ethics and Good Judgement. ... Empathy. ... Perseverance. ... People Skills. ... Creativity.Mar 23, 2020

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

How do you answer legal interview questions?

Below are some common legal interview questions—plus suggestions on how to approach them.Tell me a little about yourself. ... What attracted you to our firm/organization? ... Can you describe a challenge or conflict you have faced at work and how you overcame it? ... What is your biggest weakness? ... Do you have any questions for us?Mar 20, 2021

Should you always ask for a lawyer?

If you spontaneously or voluntarily speak without being questioned, your words can be used against you. Not only is it good to ask for an attorney, but you should also stop speaking until you have a chance to consult with an attorney on your case.

What do most lawyers charge for a contingency fee?

Typically the contingency rate free ranges from 33%-45% of the recovery. A contingency fee agreement is a payment arrangement that enables injured victims pursuing legal recourse to have legal representation, even if they do not have the financial ability to pay a lawyer out of pocket.Aug 3, 2021

What are good questions to ask when networking?

Networking: Questions to AskWhat are your primary job responsibilities?What experience did you have to get your job?How long have you worked here?What is your own background and experience?What is a typical work day like?How long is your work day?How much variety is there in your work?More items...

What personality type is a lawyer?

According to a 1993 study conducted by Larry Richard, the most prevalent personality types for lawyers are: ISTJ (17.8 per cent) INTJ (13.1 per cent) ESTJ (10.3 per cent)Jan 21, 2019

What skill should a lawyer have?

Communication, knowledge of law practices, protocols and regulations, interpersonal skills and the ability to think critically and solve problems are just several skills you'll need as an attorney.Feb 22, 2021

What abilities should a lawyer have?

10 Important Lawyer Skills and How to Develop ThemTeamwork. By no means exclusive to law, the ability to work in a team is essential to any job. ... Initiative and Independence. ... Creative Problem Solving. ... Written Communication Skills. ... Verbal Communication Skills. ... Work Under Pressure. ... Commercial Awareness. ... Understanding People.More items...•Mar 22, 2021

What is a business lawyer?

A business lawyer is a person best suited for helping you make that decision. Both sole proprietorships and general partnerships view the business and the owner as the same entity, so if there are debts or legal issues, you would be held liable.

What are the consequences of failing to take legal action?

Failure to take such actions can result in: Fines. Penalties. Legal liability. Business closure. By consulting with a seasoned attorney, you can establish that you’re currently operating within the boundaries of the law.

What are Your Areas of Expertise and How Long Have You Been Practicing Law?

The first thing you should ask an attorney is how many years they have been practicing law and their practice areas. You should hire an attorney who has expertise in the area that you require representation or advice.

Have You Handled Cases Similar to Mine?

The first thing most attorneys do when you contact them is an evaluation of your case. Most law firms such as Cline Jensen P.A. offer a free case evaluation for their clients. Cline Jensen P.A. offers a wide range of legal services in Minnesota and North Dakota areas.

What Options Do I Have When It Comes to Settling My Case?

Not every case goes to trial; some are settled out of court. Ask the attorney the options you have for settling your case and the best path to follow. There are cases that should go to court, whereas for others it’s better to settle them through settlement alternatives such as negotiation, arbitration or mediation.

How Much Will Your Services Cost?

A good lawyer costs money, but the amount they charge you should not be unreasonably high. Some lawyers will charge you at an hourly rate whereas for some cases it may be flat fees or contingency fees. Though the lawyer may not give you the exact amount, they should be able to give you an estimate of the legal fees after evaluating your case.

Are You the One Who Will Be Handling My Case?

Your case may be reviewed by one person and then handed over to another. Attorneys do shift cases, even to people from other law firms. Therefore, don’t forget to ask this question before making your final decision.

How Can I Reach You?

To avoid the mistake of hiring an attorney who is unreachable when you need them the most, ask about the mode of communication with clients and try it out.

4 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Business Lawyer

Whether you run a small business or a big one, at some point you are going to need the services of a business lawyer. Some businesses need to hire an attorney in the very beginning, while for others, it can take several years before they feel the need to hire an attorney. Hiring a business lawyer is something that should not be taken lightly.

Small Business Shipping Tips to Reduce Costs

Emily Newton is the Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized, an online magazine showing how technology is disrupting many industries.

Interesting Tips to Start Up Your New Business

Starting your own business is something that many people want to do but very few ever have the combination of finances, ability, and willpower to actually get going. So, if you are one of the lucky few, then congratulations. This article aims to help you start your business right.

Five Crucial Places to Invest When Running a New Business

A business is all about investing in the right place and getting a return from it. However, investing doesn’t just mean spending in places that will directly get you profits. For example, there is no denying that you will have to invest in manufacturing if you are selling a product. You can’t sell if you won’t invest to build that product.

image

Do They Require A retainer?

  • Many attorneys require that you put some money down upfront as a retainer. If they do, ask if the retainer is refundable if you don’t use all of it. Ask about all the terms and conditions related to the retainer.
See more on zenbusiness.com

What Type of Clients Do They Usually Work with?

  • What type of clients does the law firm the attorney is with usually represent? Do they regularly work with smaller businesses, or does most of their clientele consist of large corporations? The focus of their practice is likely to be reflected in their fees. RELATED: How to Build a Relationship with a Business Lawyer (Before You Need One)
See more on zenbusiness.com

Can You Vet Them For free?

  • Finding a business attorney is a big decision so spending a brief amount of time getting to know them seems like a wise move. However, some attorneys will charge their normal hourly rate if you want to talk to them in an interview capacity. Small business attorney Mathew Odgerssays, “From the attorney’s perspective there are a lot of people who come in and try and get free information …
See more on zenbusiness.com

What Are Their Specialties?

  • You can find general practitioners but look for a business attorney for business matters. Attorney Andrew Legrand says, “If an attorney is practicing in multiple areas (for instance, business law, family law, and criminal law), there’s no way they know all the ins and outs.” Some attorneys are well versed in tax law and can help in these capacities but the more complex the case, the more …
See more on zenbusiness.com

Who Will Work on Your Case?

  • Especially in the case of smaller, more routine matters, sometimes staffers will work on the case rather than the attorney you spoke to. Make sure to ask about that upfront and if another attorney or somebody on staff will work on the case, ask about their experience and credentials.
See more on zenbusiness.com

Will They Go to Trial?

  • If you have a case that is a dispute of some sort, you may need a trial attorney. Some attorneys resist going to trial. They will try and settle the case at all costs. Ask about their trial experience before hiring them to help with a dispute. If you have to go to trial, you want somebody who is comfortable arguing a case.
See more on zenbusiness.com

Are They Local?

  • Basic legal matters probably won’t require many meetings but if you’re looking to establish an ongoing relationship with an attorney, you want them to be within a short drive unless the case is so specialized that you need a certain type of professional. Remember that as a business owner, your time is valuable. You don’t want to spend a large portion of your day driving to meet your att…
See more on zenbusiness.com

The Most Important Questions to Ask A Business Attorney

  • When you hire a lawyer, you want to be hiring a seasoned professional who has spent years studying and practicing law. Their time isn’t cheap, so you should try to make your meetings with them as productive as possible by having poignant questions on hand. Things you may want to ask can be divided into general questions and business-related questions:
See more on briggslawcorp.com

General Questions

  • These are questions pertaining to understanding who your lawyer is, how they operate, and what you should expect from them. They might include: 1. How long have you been practicing law? 2. What do you specialize in? 3. What are your main roles and duties? 3.1. What goes beyond that scope? 4. How do you bill? 5. What companies do you generally work with? Are they comparabl…
See more on briggslawcorp.com

Business-Related Questions

  • If you want specific advice there are a couple of business-related queries you should make, especially to identify whether or not your lawyer is well-versed in your field. Questions might include: 1. What business structure should I select?– The first thing you’ll do when creating a small business is to determine its structure or entity. A business lawyer is a person best suited f…
See more on briggslawcorp.com

Covering Your Business

  • You’re not a lawyer. No amount of Google searches or blog posts will ever provide all the pertinent information you require. You need an experienced and knowledgeable barrister to come in, take your hand, and guide your businesson all legal matters. A good lawyer will be able to answer questions, provide guidance, and discuss all potential problems you could face when starting a …
See more on briggslawcorp.com