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When you run a business, it can be quite overwhelming to get into the ins and outs of corporate law. While you need to know the basic laws in your area when it comes to licensing, property and other business laws, you can’t be expected to know every single clause that applies to your business.
That’s where corporate lawyers come in. If you are starting a business or you have one up and running but you have legal questions, it’s time to consult with an attorney to see how they can help you.
You might be wondering what is best to ask them – so we’ve compiled 5 essential questions to ask a corporate lawyer when you hire them. Let’s get started!
1. How long have you been a practising lawyer?
All lawyers, young and old, are fully qualified to do what they do. Becoming a lawyer requires extensive training, education and experience before they are allowed to practice on their own terms. Nevertheless, asking your potential new corporate lawyer how long they have been practising will give you an idea of their level of expertise and experience in the field.
2. How will you help me iron out any legal issues in my business?
Ultimately, the role of a corporate lawyer is to notice and amend any legal problems that are happening in your business. These can include:
- Taxation problems;
- Employee payments, treatment or conditions;
- Health and safety concerns;
- Property maintenance;
- Product manufacturing issues
- Or any other problems they may see!
If you are unknowingly breaking any rules or regulations, your lawyer can see these and help you to change your operations so that they are carried out within the law. When hiring a corporate lawyer, you can ask for their strategy: how will they oversee your business, and how will this aid your progress?
3. What happens if you notice that I am unintentionally breaking any laws?
If your lawyer does notice that laws are being broken, you need to know what happens next. It is a totally fair question to ask, as you want to know how they will proceed in dealing with the broken rules, especially if you had no idea you were breaking them!
4. What are your fees?
Some lawyers can be coy about their fees; it’s best to require upfront transparency when it comes to money. You don’t want to end up being charged fees you didn’t even know existed, because you forgot to read the smallprint on your contract with your lawyer!
Reputable lawyers like those at Madia Law will be open and honest about how they bill you, the frequency with which you need to pay, and any other questions you might have.
5. How will you help my business become more efficient?
Ultimately, lawyers aren’t just there to criticise your mistakes; they can help your business to run more smoothly. A good lawyer will help you run your business within the law, while offering advice on how to make your operations more efficient on that basis.
Ultimately, hiring a corporate lawyer can be daunting, but by asking the right questions, you’re off to a great start.
