Opening a small business can be the beginning of an exciting and successful venture. However, your small business’s future will depend on how well you plan and prepare today. Business owners often understand the necessity of having an insurance agent and human resources support for this purpose. However, one critical area they may overlook is hiring an attorney. You may be wondering: Why does my small business need a lawyer? In short, waiting until you need a lawyer for your business can be a costly and potentially devastating mistake. By working with an attorney now, you can help mitigate risks and prepare for unexpected issues. Here is more on why your small business needs a lawyer:
You Need a Business Lawyer to Protect Your Interests
Operating a successful business requires various types of expertise. You may understand your product or service better than anyone. However, that does not necessarily mean that you have a working knowledge of every area your business operations will require.
You may encounter issues related to subjects such as business formation. Additionally, you may need help with real estate agreements. There may also be insurance, regulatory matters, and employment-related practices. If your business doesn’t concern these areas, you may not understand how they work. Enlisting the help of a business attorney on these and other small business-related matters is essential to protecting your interests. Your business lawyer can provide consultation and guidance on these and a variety of other subjects that are crucial for your small business and its operations.
Having a Business Lawyer Now Can Help You Avoid Future Problems
Sometimes, small business owners wait until a problem arises to contact a lawyer. Whether it’s a breach of contract dispute, regulatory violation, or a lawsuit, by the time an issue comes up for a small business it can be complicated and costly to remedy. However, these types of problems can often be avoided through planning and preparing with an experienced business attorney.
Waiting until you need a lawyer can be a significant and expensive error. The key to protecting your small business is to take the proactive rather than reactive step of working with an attorney before problems surface. An experienced business attorney can help you anticipate potential problems and minimize risk now so you can safeguard your business and its future.
Hiring a Business Attorney Can Save You Money
A small business owner may be reluctant to hire an attorney because they are trying to save on costs. While it’s true that an attorney will charge a fee, the amount you will pay for their services before an issue occurs is often far less than the expense of a legal conflict or lawsuit. Having legal counsel is an investment in your business’s future that can help you avoid unnecessary future expenses. By working with a business lawyer early on, you can help protect your business from liability and save money.
Some of the Ways a Business Attorney Can Help You
An experienced business attorney can provide guidance and advice on several issues that may come up for your business at various times.
- Business Formation– The legal entity you decide to form can make all of the difference down the road. Your attorney can help you explore the advantages and disadvantages of various business formation options.
- Employee Matters-Your attorney can also help you evaluate whether it would be more beneficial to have employees or independent contractors. Additionally, your business lawyer can help you plan for and address labor and employment issues.
- Contract Negotiations– Having the advice of counsel is also crucial when negotiating vendor agreements and other contracts. These agreements are often essential to small business operations. They are also legally binding and can therefore have significant long-term consequences for your business. Your attorney can review your entity’s contracts and negotiate terms that are beneficial to your business.
- Regulatory and Licensing Issues– Your business may involve or be under the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory agencies and licensing bodies. Your business attorney can provide counsel regarding regulatory and licensing matters.
- Partnership Agreements and Acquisitions– You may also need help with partnership agreements and business acquisitions. Your Florida business attorney will understand partnership and acquisition law and can help you develop and manage issues related to these agreements.
These are just a few of the areas where a lawyer can serve you and your business. Starting a small business can be the product of years of dreaming, saving, and planning. However, as with any venture, there can be unseen risks and unexpected issues. Your lawyer is an essential resource that can help support your small business’s short and long-term goals and success. Don’t wait until everything you have worked for is jeopardized. The best way to protect your small business’s future is by working with an experienced business attorney now.
Contact an Experienced Florida Business Lawyer
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Center assists clients like you with business and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, you may call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent small business clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.