Whether you own a small business or are thinking of launching a start-up, it is challenging to deal with legal issues. As a founder and business owner, you probably diverted most of your time and resources towards daily operations.
Upon that, if you have to concern yourself with the legalities of running a commercial establishment, it helps to have trusted advisors. No matter your legal requirement,small business lawyers Alberta are available to help you find apt solutions.
What Legal Aid Can You Get for Your Small Business?
Legal advisers are vital for small businesses in every aspect, from forming a company to negotiating deals. They provide you with valuable legal protection if your business faces lawsuits. Sometimes, it is possible to settle legal disputes before the matters go to court.
Lawyers understand your business objectives and help formulate a legal strategy to achieve the desired outcomes. They also offer cost-effective or flat-rate services when you hire them for the longterm.
For Start-Ups
Small business lawyers educate the owners of start-ups to ensure that you have a roaring launch. Whether you are in retail, wholesale, trade or offer professional consultancy services, they guide you in all legal matters related to the business.
They give you strategic advice on things like:
1.Designing the best business structure
2.Protecting the founders, officers and directors
3.Helping you with seed funding and raising capital
4.Creating intellectual property assignments
5.Mitigating financial and legal risks
For Existing Businesses
1.Drafting corporate and commercial contracts
2.Appropriate business solutions to go in the right direction
3.Negotiating partnership agreements
4.Establishing franchised businesses
5.Handling legal disputes
Mistakes When Hiring a Small Business Lawyer
Small business owners may think that they save costs if they don’t hire a lawyer. However, business law is a vast subject, and you may not possibly understand the nuances and what steps to take in specific situations.
In contrast, small business lawyers Alberta are knowledgeable and experienced in the industry. They learn about the latest happenings in the sector and can offer you personalized legal solutions. In the long run, they save you more money.
Other common mistakes include:
Hiring non-locals: Local firms work better with small businesses in your vicinity. They understand the business climate, have local connections and can skillfully communicate with your clients.
Falling for false promises: The results of legal proceedings are not always predictable. If someone promises anything too good, watch out for them. Have everything in writing, or record the conversations to protect yourself in future.
Not checking the licence: If you don’t ask for their license status, you could later find out they haven’t renewed it. Worse yet, they could be suspended or unlicensed. It makes sense to research them before bringing them onboard.
Ignoring poor paperwork: When you receive a contract from the lawyer, check for grammatical errors before signing it. When you receive a contract from the lawyer, check for grammatical errors before signing it—misspellings and weak writing point to their abilities, or a lack thereof, as an attorney. You don’t need such shoddy work in the business world, where contracts are everything.
Lastly, make sure the lawyer is reachable and responsive. If you keep waiting for them to call you or your call goes to their voicemail, it is time to look elsewhere. Consider all the above criteria and find the right lawyer for your Alberta small business.