There are two experts every business will need as soon as possible: an accountant and a lawyer. The reasons for hiring an accountant are quite obvious--you need an expert to help you set up your "chart of accounts," check your numbers periodically, and ready all of your necessary federal, state and local tax returns.
The reason for hiring one of the litigation solicitors in London may not be so clear. A talented business attorney will provide necessary assistance in almost every factor of your business, from elementary zoning compliance and copyright and trademark suggestion to formal business incorporation and lawsuits and liability. Here are some general rules about dealing with litigation solicitors in London:
If you are being prosecuted, it's too late. Most small businesses put off hiring a lawyer until the sheriff is at the door serving them with an order. Poor mistake. The time to associate with a good business lawyer is before you are charged. Once you have been served with a summons and grievance, it's too late--the problem has already taken place, and it's just a question of how much you will have to pay (in court costs, attorneys' fees, settlements and other expenses) to get the problem rectified.
Big firm or small firm? Typically speaking, the bigger the law firm, the bigger the overhead, thus the higher the hourly rates you will be supposed to pay. Still, larger firms have a number of benefits over smaller ones. Over the past 20 years, lawyers have become extremely specialized. If you use a solo practitioner or small firm as your lawyer(s), it's probably that they will not have all the skills you may need to grow your business. I don't know of any solo practitioner, and very few low-size firms (under 10 lawyers) that could manage your lawsuits, convert your lease of office or retail space, submit a patent or trademark, draft a software license agreement, advise you on terminating a disruptive worker, and supervise your corporate annual meeting. Sooner or later, these "generalists" will have to refer you out to experts, and you will find yourself dealing with two or three (or even more) litigation solicitors in London.
Are you well-linked? Your business attorney should be something of a legal "internist"--one who can find out your problem, carry out any "minor surgery" that may be required, and refer you to local experts for "major surgery" if needed. No lawyer can possibly know everything about every area of law. If your business has specialized legal needs (a graphic designer, for example, may need someone who is familiar with copyright laws), your attorney should either be vary of that special domain or have a working association with someone who is. You shouldn't have to go parasitic for a new lawyer each time a different type of legal problem emerges.
Do you have other clients in similar industry? Your attorney should be somewhat familiar with your industry and its legal condition. If not, he or she should be ready to learn the ins and outs of it. Scan your candidate's shelf or magazine rack for copies of the same journals and professional literature that you read. Be aware, however, of attorneys who represent one or more of your contestants.
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