What Start-ups Should Know About Hiring a Lawyer

Hiring and working with a lawyer is often confusing and daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. But when you’re starting a business, it’s crucial. With the right expertise on your side, you can feel confident you’ve got your legal ducks in a row as you’re getting down to business.

We sat down with start-up lawyer Steve Kaplan to get the low-down on how to choose a lawyer and what to expect from the attorney-client relationship:

 1. What should new entrepreneurs look for when hiring a lawyer?

First and foremost, look for “fit” (i.e., someone you trust, get along with, enjoy working with, feel has an interest in you and what you’re working on, and can relate to you). Referrals are often the best place to start.

Just as important, you want someone that is competent, responsive, and experienced with the types of legal issues with which you will need help. The considerations that go into incorporating a restaurant, say, can be very different from the considerations for incorporating a software company.

You also want the right seniority level for any given task. You don’t want a senior partner preparing documents for an incorporation, nor do you want a third-year lawyer negotiating with a seasoned venture capitalist for you.

Finally, you need to consider the importance of the specific matter to your business. You should be willing to spend a little more for your lawyer in a “bet the company” situation.

 Read the rest of this article at the Daily Muse 

Category: Featured, Startups | Tags: daily muse, hiring a lawyer, lawyers, Startups