Issues to Consider When Working with a Small Business Lawyer

A small business lawyer is a very important “asset” to your team, even if he/she works by retainer. This symbolizes your protection and your full cooperation in keeping your business legal. Now that everyone has equal opportunity to start their own company, courtesy of virtual real estate, many more individuals are considering the hard choice of hiring a small business lawyer to help avoid problems down the road. 

Help in the Beginning

Why do you need a small business lawyer if no one happens to be suing you at the moment?  It’s not just to be ready. Actually, a small business lawyer can help you set up a legal corporation or sole proprietorship and can shield you from taxes and high fees that you are not obligated to pay.  Of course, liability is the most important issue, as a pricey lawsuit (and perhaps a frivolous one) could put you completely out of business. You can be sued for a number of reasons, from a person slipping and falling to a defective food product or even an act of libel. 

In recent years, Internet-based companies have found out just how litigious a person can be when it comes to spreading slander, libel and gossip on the Internet. Social media and other popular websites are also becoming focal points of controversy in recent years, as regards invasion of privacy and libel. Now more than ever, you must brace yourself and tread carefully when it comes to interacting with the public. 

Specific and Localized Information

A small business lawyer can also advise you about gray area issues in specific and localized ways that various legal hotlines simply cannot. What happens if you want to sell the business or start a franchise or change business types? You need a small business lawyer leading the way so that you can make the change professionally, legally and without any holdups.

A small business lawyer should be trained in U.S. business law, and be aware of local regulations. Environmental issues frequently come up, and as a business owner you must be willing to work with the state, while also not willingly covering costs yourself when the situation is not your fault. What happens when employees sue you?  What happens if someone files a complaint, accusing you of a crime?  What if someone wants to buy your business? These are all issues that require the expertise of a small business lawyer, lest you make a big mistake that costs you everything you have.

Qualifications are important, and a small business lawyer should have experience not only in helping business owners, but also in the same industry as you currently work in. As an example, the expertise of a lawyer who works with auto dealerships would be much more helpful to you as a car dealer then hiring a lawyer who works primarily in real estate or industrial production. Choosing the right industry is just as important as credentials, references and court victories. 

It is important to contact and meet a Chicago business attorney as he tells his clients about all legal matters and proceedings that are needed in a new business. Business lawyers in Chicago are of great help for those who do not have any legal knowledge about establishing a new individual business.

What Businesses Need a Chicago Business Attorney?

By now, as you begin your adventure in self-starting and entrepreneurship, you may be wondering if you actually need a Chicago business attorney or if you simply need to be smart about the law.  Should you spend the money on keeping a business attorney on call (which is by no means cheap) or should you simply make safe decisions and call attorneys for legal defense only when needed?

To Hire or Not to Hire a Business Attorney

This is not an easy question to answer, and mainly depends on your budget. Obviously, if you don’t have the money you don’t want to hire a high priced business attorney. However, going on without the counsel of business attorneys just to save some cash may be a misguided idea.  For instance, the issue of liability is a huge one for medium range and even small businesses.  Defective product lawsuits are on the rise, as are malpractice lawsuits and even personal injury cases.  You may figure that if all you have is a store, you’re not in much danger.  However, fires, slips and falls and assaults (that don’t even involve you) can often come back to you and cost thousands of dollars.  Hiring a qualified business attorney is the best way to protect yourself from frivolous lawsuits—and to help you win cases in tough-call lawsuits.

The Advantages of Having a Business Attorney On Call

This is why many businesses simply choose to play it safe by hiring business attorneys upfront.  Besides, people don’t simply hire business attorneys for legal defense. These experienced professionals can also help business owners find tax savings, and legally establish their shop, practice or service so that the state is satisfied.  When the state isn’t happy, you’re the first to know and often times have to pay a huge fine!  Business attorneys can also help you with licensing, permits and other paperwork or “virtual” paperwork you need to keep yourself legal. 

A Business Attorney is a Long-Term Investment

Ultimately, the choice of hiring a team of business attorneys or a single business attorney is a no-brainer.  You always want experienced legal counsel by your side.  However, you should expand your business and your legal options according to your profit.  So an at-home business might not require a great deal of legal service from business attorneys.  Still, once you grow into a franchise and beyond, you will definitely want legal counsel.  The more money you have, the more things can go wrong.   This is why virtually all large corporations keep business attorneys on retainer.

Find a Balance When Searching for a Business Attorney

You always want to find a balance between price and protection when searching for business attorneys. Furthermore, you want to find business attorneys who are experienced, trustworthy and have already worked with clients in your industry. This will ensure that you get what you pay for, and don’t continue making mistakes because of an incompetent or under qualified business attorney. Contact Chicago business attorney for a free discussion of your case!

An Estate Planning Attorney Illinois can help with all the Forgotten Issues

There are many issues that tend to be forgotten in the midst of death and property-asset distribution. Illinois estate planning attorney can help in this regard.  It’s important to remember that this process involves more than just a will. The courts have to be involved so that all matters are officially concluded. 

Estate Planning Attorneys Can Help in Many Scenarios

What are some of the most common situations estate planning attorneys encounter?  It’s not merely families feuding over money.  There are also probate issues to consider, as well as the very real threat of estate taxes which can quickly drain a family’s compensation.  An estate planning attorney can also help you with operating expenses as well as additional court costs and unpaid debt. 

Estate Planning Attorneys Can Help with Financial Woes

What about situations that involve families or an individual who is asset rich and yet cash poor?  The family doesn’t want to inherit the debt, so everything possible must be done so that the debt is relieved.  Estate planning attorneys can help in this regard too. 

Estate Planning Attorneys and Taxes

Another issue that frequently comes up with an estate planning attorney: who of the surviving relatives pays the taxes?  And how do local state laws factor into inheritances and wills?  What about death wishes, burial plans or even life or death medical questions such as comas, blood transfusions or other medical issues?

Estate Planning Attorney and Special Considerations

Estate planning attorneys also care for special considerations such as gay and lesbian couples, or unmarried couples, who want survivorship rights but may face legal obstacles to getting the cash gifts or properties they deserve. 

Contact Estate Planning Attorneys in Your Area Today!

It is best not to fight this battle alone, nor accept whatever is handed to you.  Make sure someone is fighting for you, like an experienced estate planning attorney.  Marc J Blumenthal is an experienced Illinois estate planning attorney who specializes in this field, and has had over 30 years of experience. You can call this estate planning attorney’s office and get a free consultation.  Call us now and see what we can do for you!