Business and Legal services

Business and Legal services

Legal services are an important consideration for any business owner, but especially for small business owners, who often face a number of legal hurdles. Protecting the owner's personal assets from lawsuits against the business, ensuring protection for the business against lawsuits charging discrimination, wrongful termination, and sexual harassment, and handling employee contracts, copyright claims, and incorporation are just a few of the legal issues that commonly face small business owners.

The high costs of retaining a lawyer often make it seem as if competent legal services are out of reach of most small business owners. In addition, experts emphasize the dangers of entering into legal agreements without first obtaining advice from a qualified attorney. But there are reasonably priced methods of obtaining such services, like pre-paid plans and legal software. In many cases, this attempt to cut corners can turn small problems into big ones for small business owners. "Perhaps your tax structure is not to your best advantage, or you are not adequately protected from liability," Charles Poling noted in the New Mexico Business Journal. "If you're in a regulated business, you might run afoul of the law simply because you haven't gotten educated by your lawyer. Failing to consult with a securities or financial lawyer when you're raising capital can cause serious problems."

The type of legal services a small business should obtain varies with the size and age of the business. "Exactly what type of lawyer you need depends on what business you're in, and what stage it's at," Poling wrote. "A general business lawyer can help you as day-to-day questions come up, reviewing contracts and tax questions. But for more complicated matters, you might need a specialist…. Just starting up? Find someone who specializes in forming corporations or partnerships. Going public? Find a securities lawyer. Other specialties include environmental law, banking, patenting, copyrighting, medicine, nonprofit corporations, employment law, and so on."

 

According to Michael Barrier in Success, the best way to find a good attorney is by getting referrals from people you trust, especially those with similar legal needs. Before signing a retainer, small business owners should inquire about the attorney's experience, charges, and potential conflicts of interest. It may also be helpful to check your insurance policy, because certain litigation expenses may be covered.

 

As one example, Stephen Mann, an analyst with Forrester, tweeted from the itSMF conference in Norway: “The whole room has been on ITIL training but less than 5% can describe what a service is.”

 

Legal Services for Small Businesses

The Law Project’s Small Business Program offers legal support to entrepreneurs who are starting or have their own small businesses as a strategy to create financial independence. Since most entrepreneurs operate on a shoestring budget, obtaining legal advice is often unaffordable.

We can help your small business with a wide variety of issues, including:

 

  • Business Structure & Formation
  • Business License Applications
  • Minority Owned or Women Owned Business Certifications
  • Zoning
  • Buying or Selling Real Estate
  • Getting a Loan
  • Signing a Lease or Contract
  • Hiring or Firing Employees
  • Working with Independent Contractors
  • Exempt or Non-Exempt Employees (who gets overtime?)
  • Protecting Your Name, Logo, and Creative Work (Trademark & Copyright)
  • Real Estate Construction Contracts
  • Legal Compliance with State and Federal Laws, including:
    • Affordable Care Act
    • Americans with Disabilities Act
    • Family and Medical Leave Act
    • Concealed Carry Act
    • Federal, State, and Local Anti-Discrimination Laws

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