what questions to ask a business attorney?

by Mohammad Eichmann 8 min read

Here are some questions to start with:

  • What is your experience? ...
  • Do you have good connections? ...
  • Do you have other clients in XYZ industry? ...
  • Are you good at explaining legal matters to laypeople? ...
  • Will you be handling my business? ...
  • Are you willing to negotiate fees? ...

Full Answer

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

 · The Most Important Questions to Ask an Attorney Before Starting a Business Table of Contents [ hide] How Can a Business Lawyer Help My Business? How Should I Structure My Business? How Do I Protect My Personal Assets? How Do I Minimize My Risk? What Should Be in My Bylaws? How Can I Protect My Intellectual Property?

How to evaluate a business attorney?

 · 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...

What should I ask before hiring an attorney?

You should ask about what kinds of transparency and predictability options exist, when considering whether a business attorney is the right one for you. You should ask about how likely it is that you will get a “surprise bill.”. You should ask them how often (if …

How do you know the right business questions to ask?

 · Each business structure has various pros and cons. Ultimate, it comes down to the type of business you want to start. However, these are vital questions to ask an attorney to make sure you are making the right move in terms of protection, function, and finances. 2. What Licenses or Certifications Do I Need?

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Following is a list of questions to ask: How long have you been practicing law? What is your area of specialty? Have you represented companies like mine? Who are the attorneys and paralegals at your firm that would work on my matters, and what experience do they have?

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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...•

What questions should I ask in an attorney interview?

Litigation-related questions to ask a lawyer in an interview include:How many court and jury trials have you done and what is your win percentage? ... What is the chance that I receive a favorable outcome? ... What are the risks if the case does fail? ... What are the odds of a settlement? ... How long should I expect this to take?

What 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 you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave Your Documents Ready. ... Research the Elements of Your Case. ... Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ... You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ... Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ... Don't Provide Too Much Information. ... Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.More items...•

What are the top 5 questions to ask an interviewer?

7 good questions to ask at an interviewCan you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role? ... How could I impress you in the first three months? ... Are there opportunities for training and progression within the role/company? ... Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?More items...

What questions should I ask at the end of a legal interview?

The 5 Best Questions to Ask at the End of an InterviewYes, if it's ok, I've just got a quick question for you. ... When can I expect to hear back from you about the result of this interview? ... I know that your firm practises in [this niche area of law] that I'm interested in.More items...•

How do you prepare for a corporate law interview?

8 ways to prepare for a legal job interviewHighlight your successes. ... Be knowledgeable about what you've done. ... Frame your experience for the role. ... Know what's going on. ... Sell your soft skills. ... Prepare your questions — and your answers. ... Relax and be yourself.

How do I prepare for a corporate law 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.

What legal requirements are needed to start a business?

What Are the Legal Requirements for Starting a Business?Create a LLC or Corporation. ... Register Your Business Name. ... Apply for a Federal Tax ID Number. ... Determine If You Need a State Tax ID Number. ... Obtain Business Permits and Licenses. ... Protect Your Business with Insurance. ... Open a Business Bank Account. ... Consult the Professionals.

What do you say when contacting a lawyer?

0:081:20What To Say When You Call An Attorney - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou.MoreYou.

Does my lawyer have to do what I say?

An attorney must always do what they say they will in a prompt and timely manner as unreasonable delay may adversely affect the outcome of your case.

How often should I hear from my attorney?

There is no set formula for how often you will hear from your attorney. However, the key to a successful attorney client relationship is communication. Whenever there is an important occurrence in your case you will be contacted or notified.

How do I prepare for a legal interview?

How To Prepare For A Law Firm InterviewEtiquette and confidence are key. ... Dress for the job. ... Make your resume stand out from the crowd. ... Win them over with your writing samples. ... Know -- and promote -- your strengths. ... Get familiar before you go in. ... Tailor your approach to the position you're interviewing for.More items...•

What are the best interview questions to ask?

The Top 15 Interview Questions to Ask Job CandidatesWhat do you know about our company, and why do you want to work here?What skills and strengths can you bring to this position?Can you tell me about your current job?What could your current company do to be more successful?More items...•

What questions should I ask a legal recruiter?

Legal Recruiting: 5 Questions You Can't Forget to AskDescribe an instance when a high-pressure situation tested the strength of your integrity. ... Have you ever made a decision you later regretted? ... Describe your greatest professional accomplishments. ... Describe the nature of your interactions with regulators.More items...•

What questions would your potential lawyer have for you?

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...•

How Should I Structure My Business?

This seems like a basic question, but it’s actually one of the most important things you can ask when you sit down with a business attorney.

How Do I Protect My Personal Assets?

Regardless of the specific structure you choose for your business, you want to structure your business to protect your non-business assets.

How Do I Minimize My Risk?

Regardless of the type of business you own, there is a huge range of state and federal regulations that apply to you.

What Should Be in My Bylaws?

Part of this process of minimizing risk and protecting your assets involves writing your bylaws properly.

How Can I Protect My Intellectual Property?

All businesses, yours included, need certain trademarks to identify themselves from other businesses.

What Contracts Does My Business Need?

Contracts are one of the most basic things you deal with on a day-to-day basis in your business. But they’re central to successfully running a business, as they spell out your responsibilities and obligations in any agreement.

More Questions to Ask an Attorney

Now that you know what questions to ask an attorney, you need to find an attorney to answer them for you.

What can a lawyer do for a business?

Your lawyer can assist you with preparing operating agreements and bylaws that meet your business's unique needs.

What does a business lawyer do?

A business lawyer can explain how to start a business and answer your business law questions. But more importantly, a lawyer can identify the risks you face and help you minimize them. When you meet with your lawyer for the first time, it’s a good idea to have some questions in mind.

How to start a business off on the right foot?

Always ask your business attorney to assess your risks and identify ways to alleviate them. Getting business advice and legal help from a small business lawyer is a smart way to start a business off on the right foot. But don’t lose touch with your lawyer once your business is up and running. Make it a habit to seek business legal advice regularly ...

Why do businesses need contracts?

Your business might need contracts for routine transactions, to protect confidential information, to describe employment relationships, or for leases and other major transactions.

How does a contract protect a business?

Contracts protect your business by describing the rights and responsibilities of the parties to the agreement. A well-written contract can reduce the number of disputes that arise, ensure that you get paid for the work you do, and provide a clear remedy if one party doesn’t hold up its end of the deal.

Can you use a name that another business is already using?

Every state has rules about the names that new business entities can use, and in general, you can’t choose a name that another business is already using. Also, it’s risky to choose a name that might infringe on another business’s registered trademark.

What to do before starting a small business?

Before starting a small business, you must decide how your business will be structured. If you do not form a formal business entity, your business will either be a sole proprietorship (with one owner) or a general partnership (with more than one owner). Legally, you and your business will be the same “person,” so if your business has debts ...

Written By

Jane Porter is a freelance writer and editor based in Brooklyn, NY. You can find more of her work at Janeroseporter .com

Jane Porter

Jane Porter is a freelance writer and editor based in Brooklyn, NY. You can find more of her work at Janeroseporter .com

Why is corporate counsel important?

Selecting corporate counsel for your business is an important decision – having the right advisor in your corner, who is not only a legal expert and a qualified attorney, but a true “counselor” as well, can be a critical component in protecting and growing your business. For an entrepreneur, a new business is a little bit like a baby – it can be ...

Is litigation expensive?

Litigation is expensive. Sometimes a court fight is called-for, but sometimes your only possible victory would be Pyrrhic. If your lawyer’s first response to everything is to fight, rather than to assess the larger picture, you may want to think again. Contact us here for more information.

Questions to Ask an Attorney Before You Open Your Doors for Business

Did you know that nearly half of all small businesses fail within the first five years? While most of these failures are related to financial issues, many can be avoided by seeking out expert advice. For example, there are certain legal questions to ask an attorney before you start.

1. How Should I Structure My Business?

As a small business owner, you need to learn to ask legal questions that will heavily impact your finances and business model. For example, there are many ways to form your business:

2. What Licenses or Certifications Do I Need?

Before you open up shop, you need to make sure your business is operating 100 percent within the confines of the law. A small business attorney will make sure you have everything you need to prevent any lawsuits or fines from the city.

3. What Type of Insurance Should I Get?

When you start a small business, you need to make sure you and your assets are protected. A small business attorney can help guide you through the different types of insurance policies you will need and how much coverage you should get.

4. Do I Need a Contract for Working With Business Partners or Independent Contractors?

There are other questions to ask an attorney if you are planning on working with partners, independent contractors, or businesses. You will want a lawyer for a business startup to help you hack out the details of legally binding contracts .

5. What Do I Need to Know If I Hire Employees?

Finally, you will want a small business attorney if you are planning on hiring employees. They will help you create an employee handbook or a list of policies that dictate employee expectations, fair treatment, conduct, consequences, and more.

Do You Have Any More Questions to Ask an Attorney?

Starting a small business is no small feat. However, keeping it alive and thriving is even harder. For your best chances of success, we recommend coming up with a list of questions to ask an attorney to make sure your business is free and clear of any potential issues.

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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 don’t have a lot of extra money lying around for an attorney so the price becomes important. Talk to your attorney to see if you can negotiate a fixed fee for your needs rather than an hourly rate. Of course, if you’re sued or have a complicated legal matter, a f…
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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.
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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)
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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 …
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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 …
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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.
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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.
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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…
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