It seems that many business people have a distinct aversion to consulting an attorney when it comes to business matters. Although they may consult a physician when they are ill, and an accountant for their financial affairs, there seems to be a perception that getting an attorney involved will only “complicate” matters more than need be. Actually, the truth is really quite different. Competent and attentive attorneys are in practice to smooth a business’ operations, to ensure that things go well and that the business owner is protected as he does business every day.
That said, while a business person may an attorney for many things – there are certain situations that really do require expert legal advice. The question then becomes, how do you choose a good business attorney? There are many considerations, but one of the easiest way of selecting an attorney is to interview a few, ask them some good questions, and get a sense for how your styles and personalities mesh. It is important to feel confident in their skills and comfortable with their personal style.
Depending on what your attorney will be needed for, there are some general questions someone can ask. One revolves around their experience in your particular industry. Ask them how long they’ve been practicing in that industry, and ask for a few references. It is also important to know how much of their practice is spent in the area that you are particularly concerned with. You want to be certain he or she is current in the latest developments that are important to you.
Other questions might revolve around accessibility. Will you be dealing exclusively with this attorney or will he have clerks and associates who will handle the bulk of your work? Ask to meet them, if that is the case, and apply the same questions to them as you did to the primary attorney. Questions about fees should be dealt with forthrightly and in advance. What is his hourly rate? What are his associate’s rates? Will he raise that rate if your business becomes involved in a law suit?
These questions should just be the beginning of the questions you put to a potential new attorney. Business attorney Rodney Gnuse has an experienced attorney for business, real estate, tax and Bankruptcy in Omaha and the surrounding areas with many years of experience in the practice of business law.
