Finding the Right Lawyer for your Business

Whether you’re an entrepreneur in the planning stages of starting your own business or already have a thriving, established business, it’s important to find the right legal counsel that understands your needs in order to help protect and grow your business. After all, there are so many potential scenarios in which you will ultimately need legal help as a business owner. Finding the right business lawyer to trust with your company can be a challenge, but there are some tips you can keep in mind to make the process easier and make sure you’re choosing right.

  1. Don’t wait.

First and foremost, be proactive. Hire a lawyer before you need one. Don’t wait until you’re in dire need of legal counsel. By hiring a lawyer now, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that your lawyer is there to assist you at the drop of a hat, no matter what may arise and is already familiar with your business.

  1. Ask questions.

Before you make the decision to hire a lawyer, it’s important that you have an initial consultation. During this time, you and the lawyer can get to know one another. He or she can gain a better understanding of your company and short and long-term goals, and you can gain insights into the lawyer’s experience. Get an understanding of which lawyers you will actually be working with as well. Ask about fee structures, when fees are collected and whether the law firm requires a retainer. Find counsel that will provide services on fixed fee basis, or at the very least provide an estimate in advance.

  1. Find a lawyer that works with businesses like yours.

Make sure the lawyer is experienced working with companies like yours. You don’t know what you don’t know. Ideally, your lawyer will not only inform you of what you need to best protect your business, but they can also point out issues or problems that you may not foresee. If the lawyer is not experienced working with similar businesses, you’re likely to waste time and money.

Your lawyer can be a great strategic partner, so taking the time to consider the factors above and find a lawyer you enjoy working with will be key to your success.

Tricia Meyer 301

Tricia Meyer is Founder + Managing Attorney of Meyer Law, one of the fastest growing law firms in the United States. Meyer helps entrepreneurs and technology companies from startups to large corporations with day-to-day matters and notable clients include companies that have appeared on Shark Tank to companies gracing the Inc. 500 to some of the largest companies in the world.

Tricia has been named on the Forbes Next 1000 list, is one of the Most Influential Female Lawyers in Chicago according to Crain’s Chicago Business and been recognized as a top 10 technology lawyer.

As an entrepreneur and a lawyer, Meyer has a unique perspective and has mentored thousands of startups and scaling companies at tech incubators and accelerators across the United States such as 1871, WeWork Labs and Techstars. Tricia has been featured in Inc., Crain’s, Chicago Tribune, NBC Chicago, American Express OPEN Forum, and more. Learn more at www.MeetMeyerLaw.com and follow Meyer Law’s story on Instagram @loveyourlawyer.