Your business is picking up and you find yourself wondering if an attorney would be helpful to you. As a business owner, you may already feel like you have too many expenses and can’t afford legal help or even that the majority of the issues you face you can simply handle on your own.
There are many aspects of your business that a business attorney can help you with, from incorporating in your state, to drawing up and negotiating contracts with employees, contractors, and suppliers, as well as supporting you in any issues or conflicts that may develop.
Finding a business law attorney you can trust and communicate with can be a challenging task, but it’s well worth the effort. Make sure that you find someone who is compatible with you professionally and matches your values. Today, we will take a look at the many ways in which a business law attorney can help your company thrive.
Responsibilities Of A Business Law Attorney
Whether you are a small business or a big corporation, having legal counsel on your side is essential. While big corporations need an attorney skilled in navigating the corporate world and require extensive services, a business attorney help guide even small-business owners to help prevent mistakes and follow necessary guidelines to ensure they get their business off the ground and don’t run afoul of the law.
Whether you need an attorney for daily consultation or only to get occasional advice, having an attorney in your corner will help make sure the choices you make and the structure of your business follow the guidelines set in place by local, state, and federal laws.
The Beginning Aspects Of Starting Your Business
Beginning your business with a strong foundation is essential. Navigating licensing, and advising, assisting your business in establishing company policies, structure, objectives, and business operation procedures with the support of an experienced business attorney will ensure that you are setting up your business with a sustainable long-term system.
A business lawyer understands the complexities of establishing businesses as a limited liability company LLC), a partnership, a sole proprietorship, or a corporation, of which there are varying types, and can help guide you through the process.
Enforcing, Creating, And Evaluating Contracts
Contracts are essential in business and are the best way to make sure you are protecting your business. A lawyer can expertly write, review, or enforce agreements with other companies, employees, contractors, and consultants to protect all parties involved.
Contracts document and outline expectations of the work to be performed, establish timelines, limit your liability, and protect you from the release of private information. Depending on your business type, your needs will vary, and your attorney can help customize and create contract documents that work best for each situation.
Navigating Tax Laws
The most complicated is often complying with the tax law of running your business. A business lawyer will advise you to prevent issues, find credits and deductions to help save you money and keep you in the clear with the IRS.
Applying deductions and credits will help reduce your tax burden and help you to structure your business to take advantage of them.
Protecting Your Private, Intellectual, And Business Properties
Protecting your business, personal and intellectual properties is essential, and a lawyer will ensure that all needed actions are taken to protect your interests.
Business lawyers can create important nondisclosure agreements that protect client lists, product plans, and other sensitive proprietary information from being shared or used outside your business.
Another essential responsibility of a business lawyer is to write up a liability waiver that will release you from unfortunate, unforeseen accidents. These agreements will help protect you from losing your property and financial assets in the event of an accident.
Issues And Agreements With Employees
When it comes to employees, unfortunately, you may at some point have a former, current, or possible employee who may sue. Common issues today include accusations of gender or racial discrimination, so consulting with an attorney ahead of time to clarify everything from hiring questions to regulations in the workplace will help prevent problems later.
Accidental injury while on the job is another circumstance where you will need the help of an attorney to help resolve issues regarding compensation, medical bills, and lost wages.
Guidance Regarding Bankruptcy
While no one plans to go bankrupt, sometimes it happens due to economic issues or unforeseen circumstances. An experienced business attorney can help you navigate the bankruptcy process so that your business can recover and hopefully thrive.
Filing for bankruptcy can feel overwhelming, determining which path to take, what debt to discharge, or if you need to settle all of your business’s debt. Your attorney will help develop a plan and present it to the court. You will feel more at ease knowing you have an expert watching out for your best interest.
Representation In Court
Hopefully, you never find yourself and your business headed to court. Depending on the type of business, however, there are various reasons why you could end up in court. Environmental issues, local, state, or federal government entities filing complaints or investigations for violating laws are some of the reasons business owners end up defending their organizations in the courtroom.
Navigating the court system alone can be overwhelming as business laws are complex.
While some things you can do on your own, this is one area that you absolutely want to have the counsel and representation of an experienced business law attorney.
Selling Your Business
At some point, you may decide it is time to sell your business, and it is vital to follow all the laws to remove liability and all ties at that time. The best way to ensure this is to consult a business law professional to ensure your bases are covered.
Connecting with a trusted, experienced business law attorney ahead of time and establishing a relationship will ensure that you have the support you need when you need it.
We Provide Counsel Unique To Your Business
Hann Law Firm provides guidance on what type of business is best for you and the expertise you need to get started. We can help sort through the paperwork, anticipate any challenges, and craft a solid plan to help your business thrive.
The state of California has many laws and regulations regarding establishing and running a business. We know how important your business is to you.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help support you and the success of your business.