When running a small business, you must have a go-to lawyer or law firm to rely on for all your legal needs. But what type of lawyer do you need? The answer to that question depends on the specific legal requirements of your business.
There are various types of lawyers specializing in different areas of the law, so it is important to know which kind of lawyer you need before you start looking for one. Here are the different types of lawyers your small business might need:
Intellectual Property Lawyers
You will need an intellectual property lawyer if you have a product or service protected by patents, trademarks, or copyrights. An intellectual property lawyer can help you register your patents and trademarks and enforce your intellectual property rights.
They can also help you negotiate licenses, resolve disputes with other businesses over intellectual property, and draft contracts relating to the use of your intellectual property.
For instance, if another business uses your trademark without your permission, an intellectual property lawyer can help you send a cease and desist letter and take legal action if necessary. Hiring intellectual property lawyers early on can help you avoid potential legal problems in the future.
Employment Lawyers
If you have employees, you will need an employment lawyer’s services. An employment lawyer can help you draft employee handbooks and policies, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, and resolve disputes with employees.
In addition, an employment lawyer can help you comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding employment, such as those regarding wages and hours, health and safety, and discrimination.
Some of the most common issues that employment lawyers deal with are wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and discrimination. If you are facing any of these issues, it is essential that you talk with an experienced employment lawyer as soon as possible.
Probate Lawyers
If you are a small business owner, chances are you will need a probate lawyer at some point. Probate lawyers deal with the administration of estates, including the distribution of assets and the payment of debts. They can also help with the probate of wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents.
Probate lawyers can be beneficial when dealing with probate and estate administration complexities. For example, a probate lawyer can help you determine whether or not probate is necessary. They can also help you with probate paperwork and court appearances.
Tax Lawyers
If you are a small business owner, you will need the services of a tax lawyer at some point. Tax lawyers deal with all aspects of business taxation, including income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and payroll taxes.
They can also help you with tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution. Tax lawyers can be very helpful in ensuring that your small business is in compliance with all applicable tax laws.
For instance, a tax lawyer can help you file your annual tax return and ensure you are paying all the taxes you owe. They can also help you resolve tax disputes with the IRS or state tax authorities.
Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyers
If you are planning on selling your business or merging with another company, you will need the services of a mergers and acquisitions lawyer. A mergers and acquisitions lawyer can help you with all aspects of the transaction, including negotiating the purchase price, drafting the contract, and conducting due diligence.
They can also help you navigate the complex world of securities regulations and advise you on the transaction’s tax consequences. Mergers and acquisitions can be a difficult and stressful process, so it is important to hire an experienced lawyer to help you through it.
Bankruptcy Lawyers
If your small business is facing financial difficulties, you may need to file for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy lawyers deal with all aspects of bankruptcy, including filing for bankruptcy, negotiating with creditors, and preparing for bankruptcy proceedings. They can also help you determine whether filing for bankruptcy is the best option for your business. Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer is the last thing you want, but if you do, it is important to choose one with experience handling small business bankruptcies.
Your small business might need many types of lawyers depending on the type of business you are running and specific legal needs. It is crucial to have a good relationship with a law firm or individual lawyer so that you can get the advice and assistance you need when legal issues arise. Do some research to find a law firm or individual lawyer who has experience in dealing with the type of legal issues your business is likely to face so that you can be prepared for anything that comes up.
