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Find a Good Lawyer

From , former About.com Guide

Whether dealing with litigation, starting a business or intellectual property, a good lawyer is critical to your small business.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 2-3 weeks

Here's How:

  1. Determine the legal issue and what type of law may be applicable. Such as business incorporation, employee labor law, real estate, buying a company or wills and estates.
  2. Assess the type of lawyers dealing with your legal issue.
  3. Compile a list of lawyers in the determined subject area by:
  4. Talking to friends and business peers for a referral in the legal area you need.
  5. Contact other professionals you know such as your banker or accountant.
  6. Use a lawyer referral network service located on the Internet, Yellow Pages, or Bar Association.
  7. Set up a phone interview with a narrowed down candidate list and ask the following questions:
  8. How long have you been in practice?
  9. How much experience do you have in the area of ...(subject area you need)? How many wins have you had in this area?
  10. Is this a standard issue with a basic fee or more complex with an hourly fee?
  11. Is there a fee for the initial consultation?
  12. Review the answers from each phone interview. Make an appointment with a lawyer that can deal with your legal issue in a timely matter, has an interest in your business and makes you feel comfortable.
  13. Be prepared for your initial interview with complete documentation for your case.
  14. If all goes well and you feel the lawyer can best represent your interests and case then hire them.

Tips:

  1. Keep full notes on meetings and ask for supporting files or documentation.
  2. Work with your lawyer in a positive, honest manner.
  3. Provide your lawyer with what they need in a prompt fashion.
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