There are several situations where businesses should consult with legal professionals. In some cases, it may be required by law. In other cases, it may be a good idea to get professional advice to protect your business interests. Here are four situations where you should strongly consider talking to a lawyer.
When you have been accused of wrongdoing
One of the unfortunate situations where you will need to talk to a lawyer is if your business has been accused of wrongdoing. This could be anything from fraud to discrimination. If you are facing serious allegations, you need to take them seriously and get professional help right away. In some instances, you may even be facing criminal charges such as when someone is accused of embezzlement. In these cases, the seasoned criminal defense lawyers of Ryan Garry LLC recommend that you work with a legal practitioner that has experience with your specific type of case. For instance, if you are accused of a white-collar crime, you will want to find an attorney who specializes in that area. Conversely, if you are accused of a crime like assault, you will want to find an attorney who has experience with violent crimes.
When you are sued
If your business is being sued, you will need to hire a lawyer to represent you in court. This is true even if you believe that the lawsuit is frivolous and has no merit. If you do not have a lawyer, the court will appoint one for you. However, it is always better to have an attorney that you have chosen and who is familiar with your business because if not, you run the risk of having someone who is not invested in your case. This means that you may not achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Rest assured that there are seasoned lawyers specializing in business law that can help you with your case. More often than not, these lawyers will have experience with cases similar to yours and will know what to expect.
When you are drafting or reviewing contracts
Another time when you should consult with a lawyer is when you are drafting or reviewing contracts. This is especially important if the contract is for something significant, such as leasing commercial property. You want to make sure that the contract protects your interests and that you understand all of the terms before you sign it. A lawyer can help you to understand the contract and make sure that it is fair. They can also negotiate on your behalf if there are any terms that you do not agree with. For example, if you are signing a lease for office space, the lawyer can negotiate for a shorter lease term or a lower rent. Similarly, if you are entering into a contract with another business, the lawyer can help to ensure that the contract is fair and equitable.
When you are starting or expanding your business
Last but not the least, when you are starting or expanding your business, you should consult with a lawyer. This is because there are a lot of legal considerations that need to be taken into account when starting or growing a business. For instance, you will need to choose the right business structure and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. If you are starting a business, you may want to consider incorporating your business. This can provide you with personal liability protection and tax advantages. A lawyer can help you to determine the best business structure for your needs and guide you through the process of incorporating your business.
In expanding your business, a lawyer can also help you to draft policies and procedures, such as an employee handbook. When you scale, you will most likely need to hire more employees. With more employees comes the need for clear policies and procedures to ensure that everyone is on the same page. You will be able to make sure that your business is in compliance with the law and that your employees are treated fairly. Having these in place can help to avoid misunderstandings and conflict down the road.
These are just some of the situations where you should consult with a lawyer. If you are ever unsure, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry. Rest assured that with a little bit of research, you will be able to find a lawyer that is right for you and your business.
