As a new small business owner, or even one that has been around a while but is in a period of high growth potential, you are undoubtedly spending a good deal of time thinking about what your business needs. One thing you might not have thought about, however, is obtaining a Miami entrepreneur attorney. If hiring legal counsel for your business has not yet crossed your mind, it is worth considering, as there are several occasions in which a lawyer is the best value-driven solution for a company.
A Miami Entrepreneur Attorney for All Your Small Business’s Legal Needs
Here is a brief look at some times when it is crucial for a small business to have the services of a Miami entrepreneur attorney.
Business Formation
A small business attorney can provide assistance as you form your business with services that include:
- Guidance as to the best legal structure for your business
- Ensuring that the proper legal paperwork is submitted in order for your business to be in compliance with state and federal tax laws
- Explaining tax, liability, management, and start-up costs, and ensuring you have an understanding of how these items are impacted by the legal structure in which you have formed your business
- Drafting necessary documents such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, and partnership agreements or operating agreements
- Securing necessary startup permits and licenses
- Helping you with determining the need for employer identification numbers and applying for them
Contracts
Small businesses are often fertile ground for contracts and other legally-binding documents. Your attorney can create courtroom-worthy documents as well as review documents that are presented to you to ensure that the provisions meet your desired need and are legally enforceable. A Miami small business lawyer can also represent those documents or your interests in the documents in court, should the need arise.
Some contracts and other legal documentation that your Miami small business lawyer can create include:
- Confidentiality agreements
- Shareholder’s or partnership agreements
- Employment contracts
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Memorandum of Understanding
- Non-compete agreements
- Website privacy policies and terms of use
Litigation
It’s a nightmare for most small business owners to find themselves either the plaintiff or defendant in litigation. Many attorneys will encourage their clients to avoid court at all costs, even if it means settling a claim in a way that is not in the best interests of the business. However, we welcome the challenge of trial if it is the best value-driven solution to resolving the issue you face. Whether the legal issues you’re facing are regarding an employee, vendor, customer, landlord, or another individual, it is always advised to have the assistance of legal counsel when facing a dispute.
General Counsel
Do you ever just wish you had someone to turn to for legal advice? A Miami entrepreneur attorney can provide general counsel services, advising you on all legal matters affecting your business, including the development of employee handbooks and company policies, reviewing your insurance to ensure that you have adequate coverage to protect you from financial liability, and much more. General counsel in a business setting often serves as the company’s main legal counsel and primary resource for legal advice.
The daily duties of general counsel for a business include activities such as:
- Managing lease agreements
- Providing status reports on various duties, most often answering directly to the company CEO
- Responding to legal requests from you or your various departments
- Reviewing and attending to legal compliance matters
- Collections on past-due accounts
While the daily priorities of general counsel are always shifting, they normally deal with every aspect of the business in some way.
Every Business Needs Legal Assistance at Some Point
Having an attorney is not always about having someone represent you if you get sued (though having an attorney is helpful in this case as well). From the liability you face if a customer becomes injured in your store, to the strength of the legal agreement between yourself and your legal partner, to the contracts you enter into with vendors, contractors, or the landlord of your commercial property, every business needs legal assistance at some point.
Top Rated Miami Entrepreneur Attorney Near You
With deep roots both in Miami and the law, we provide legal services to small businesses that include:
- Rational, practical, and honest guidance in all legal matters pertaining to your business
- Fair and ethical billing practices designed to keep our rates as low as possible
- Fearless advocacy and a willingness to do what it takes to protect your bottom line, even in the courtroom
Contact us right away to discuss your business’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The legal aspects of starting a business are often confusing. Here are answers to some questions our clients often ask us.
Do Entrepreneurs Need Lawyers?
Yes. In spite of the desire and knowledge that have led you to start a business, unless you have been to law school, you likely have a need for legal advice, contract creation, and assistance with developing your company policies. These are all services that can be done efficiently, affordably, and in a manner that protects your business and finances by an attorney.
What Does a Business Attorney Do?
The list of services a business attorney provides to their clients is long, but can include:
- Determining the proper legal structure of the business and ensuring that all documentation that is required by the federal, state, and local governments in accordance with your business structure has been completed
- Developing agreements, such as partnership or employment agreements
- Protecting your intellectual property through the filing of copyrights and trademarks
- Ensuring that you are compliant with industry regulations
- Handling legal disputes that your company has with other individuals or organizations
- Negotiating settlement terms with interested parties
- Managing your legal risk through regular review of your insurance, taxes, business formation, and other legal aspects pertaining to your business
What Is Legal Counsel in Business?
Legal counsel in business refers to an individual or organization who provides advisory services on certain business matters, particularly in contract negotiations. The term “legal counsel” is often used interchangeably with the word “lawyer.”
