{"id":1103,"date":"2018-07-16T21:58:14","date_gmt":"2018-07-16T21:58:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/upgifs.com\/blog\/?p=1103"},"modified":"2022-08-29T13:48:47","modified_gmt":"2022-08-29T13:48:47","slug":"do-you-need-a-small-business-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/upgifs.com\/blog\/1103\/do-you-need-a-small-business-lawyer\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need a Small Business Lawyer?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you start a new business, there are so many things to consider, including whether or not you need a to hire a lawyer<\/a>. For some legal matters, DIY isn’t a good idea.<\/p>\n

Although there are some situations you can handle without a lawyer, you need to have one in place to handle issues as they arise. One legal misstep can damage your business and your reputation.<\/p>\n

You don’t want to wait until your business is being sued to have a lawyer in place. A good lawyer helps protect your business and prevent these serious issues from happening.<\/p>\n

Check out this guide to learn if you need a small business lawyer.<\/p>\n

When You Need a Small Business Lawyer<\/h2>\n

Although there are some basic legal issues you can handle on your own, there are times when a lawyer is necessary. Trying to handle complex legal matters by yourself is never a good idea.<\/p>\n

Legal matters an attorney should handle for your business include:<\/p>\n

Forming a Corporation<\/h3>\n

Although you can form an LLC or business partnership alone or with little assistance, forming a corporation is a process that requires a lawyer’s help. There are complicated legal requirements and tax issues involved, and you need the expertise of a lawyer in this situation.<\/p>\n

Protecting Intellectual Property<\/h3>\n

It is important for you to consider the intangible assets of your business. Your company name, logo, brand, products, and services are intellectual property and should be protected.<\/p>\n

Copyright, trademark, and patent registration protect intellectual property and help give your business an advantage in a competitive marketplace.<\/p>\n

Filing a Patent<\/h3>\n

There’s a complicated and time-consuming process if you want a patent. It can take several years for approval.<\/p>\n

In some situations, a patent gives you an advantage in the marketplace. But, in others, the red tape and headache of waiting for a patent may not be worth it.<\/p>\n

It is wise to consult an attorney to evaluate your product and discuss whether pursuing a patent makes sense.<\/p>\n

Handling Employee Agreements<\/h3>\n

A smart business owner knows one of their most important assets is the knowledge of their valued employees. This is especially true for tech companies.<\/p>\n

But many forget to have employees sign non-disclosure or non-compete agreements. These agreements protect your business when employees leave.<\/p>\n

A lawyer can help make sure these important agreements are in place.<\/p>\n

Handling Exit Strategies<\/h3>\n

You may be very focused on starting your new business. But it’s important to consider what happens if a partner decides to leave.<\/p>\n

When a partner suddenly decides to leave, it can cause serious problems. A lawyer can make sure the proper exit strategy and legal agreements are in place to prevent a serious financial setback.<\/p>\n

Dealing With a Lawsuit<\/h3>\n

Many small business owners put off hiring a lawyer until they are facing serious a lawsuit. But you need a lawyer before this happens.<\/p>\n

Having a lawyer in place to handle your legal affairs can prevent an issue like this from occurring. A lawsuit against your business can tarnish your brand and force you to pay a hefty settlement.<\/p>\n

Protecting Your Business<\/h3>\n

Not all small businesses are profitable in the beginning, and some struggling business owners face mounting debt. If your SBA loan is in default, you could lose your business.<\/p>\n

Experienced SBA attorneys<\/a> can often negotiate for a solution to your SBA loan default so you can keep your business afloat.<\/p>\n

Preparing Contracts<\/h3>\n

Yes, you can write your own contracts, but it’s not a good idea. Having an attorney create contracts will result in more professional documents and better protection for you.<\/p>\n

You should never sign a contract or business document without having an attorney review it. This can save you the hassle of contract disputes in the future.<\/p>\n

Keeping Your Best Interests at Heart<\/h3>\n

A good business attorney will keep your best interests at heart. If you have a lawyer you can trust, they can offer advice on a regular basis.<\/p>\n

Their knowledge and experience allow them to recognize a potential legal issue and inform you of the problem. Avoiding a legal hassle can save you time and money.<\/p>\n

Handling Complex Legal Issues<\/h2>\n

There are certain situations where having a business lawyer is a must. Some examples include:<\/p>\n