No matter what type of business you run, you are likely, at some stage to need a lawyer. It could be that you want someone to read over a contract or carry out searches before you purchase new premises. Or you may need one because you are being sued.
There are plenty of Business Lawyers in Melbourne and other large cities, so finding one that is suitable for you should not be an issue. Even if your company is based in a remote location you will still be well served because, for many tasks, you can potentially use a lawyer that is not local to you – many offer online services. Regardless of where your lawyer is located, it is important that you hire one suitable for you and your business. Here are a few tips to help you to do exactly that.
- Identify the services you are likely to need
Before starting your search, sit down and try to work out what you are likely to need a lawyer for. This will help you to narrow down your options. If you are just starting your company, talk to more experienced business owners that you know. They will be able to point you in the right direction. Failing that, take a look at this excellent government written article, which provides an overview of the type of legal services that businesses typically use at some point or another.
- Write out a list of questions to ask them
As you do this, make a shortlist of questions to ask each firm that you speak to. Doing this will ensure that nothing important is missed and help you to carry out a proper side-by-side comparison of what each company has to offer.
- Find out what their fees are
Ask them about their charges. Most of them will have set fees for common business services.
- Hire someone you can communicate with easily
When you are talking to each lawyer make a note of how comfortable you feel talking to them. You want to hire someone that listens to you properly and who is easy to understand. The experts at Stoner Law Offices believe that you want to hire someone that listens and understands your problems properly. Since communication is the key.
- Find out what others think of their services
It is also worth going online and seeing if you can find out what others think of each firm’s services. Look at the review sites and ask in any business forums that you use.
- Double-check that they are properly qualified
Before you hire a lawyer, take the time to check that they are properly qualified. You can do that by visiting the legal services board and commissioner or law society website for the state they work out of. You can identify which organization you need to use, by referring to this list.
Prioritise hiring a lawyer when you set up your business. That way should you suddenly receive a summons or something similar you will have someone you can turn to immediately.
