Owning and operating a business is hard enough when things are going well, but when inevitable issues arise, you may need to call in reinforcements. Most business owners are resourceful, competent, and ambitious which makes them ready and able to handle almost any problems as they come…. almost. Before discussing what “almost” means here, let’s talk about things a business owner can usually handle without an attorney.
Starting a business can seem overwhelming, but the resources needed to get started on your own are out there. Things you can do without an attorney can include:
- Writing a business plan.
- Applying for an employee identification number with the IRS.
- Finding and securing a domain name.
- Interviewing and hiring employees.
In addition, there are some tasks that can be done on your own, but may be easier with the services of an attorney such as:
- Choosing the structure of ownership (sole proprietorship, limited liability corporation, S corporation, etc.).
- Creating contracts.
- Trademark searches when choosing the legal business name.
Why Your Business Needs an Attorney
Hiring an attorney can be intimidating. Most people are afraid of the costs involved, but keeping an attorney at the ready can actually reduce costs down the road. Your business may need an attorney to handle things like:
- Law suits filed by employees for discrimination and/or wrongful termination (See: A Quick Guide to Wrongful Termination).
- Real estate acquisitions or issues.
- Intellectual property protection.
- Tax law consultation.
- Protection against any potential future issues.
Perhaps one of the most important reasons to retain the services of an attorney is the prevention of future problems. If you hire an experienced attorney, you may not have some of the issues listed above. If you are starting a business or you already have an established business and you believe you need the guidance of an experienced attorney, consider Dsouza Legal of Plantation, Florida. They have the knowledge and experience your business needs to move forward responsibly and securely.
