How much does a corporate lawyer cost in Georgia? If you manage a corporation in Georgia, you have probably asked this question. Let's explore this question and review some information about corporate lawyers and the services they can provide.
Based on ContractsCounsel's marketplace data, the average cost of a Georgia corporate lawyer is $120.00 - $400.00 per hour.
How Much Does a Georgia Corporate Lawyer Cost?
A Georgia corporate lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in providing legal services and guidance to business owners who run corporations. Sometimes referred to as a business lawyer or commercial lawyer, corporate lawyers are knowledgeable in several legal fields that often affect corporations. Most corporate lawyers can advise business owners in the areas of contracts law, intellectual property law, tax law, and employment law.
The cost of legal services is usually a significant factor in making the decision to hire a lawyer. It is important to find out how much a corporate lawyer will cost and the type of fee arrangement the lawyer uses to charge clients. The cost of a corporate lawyer in Georgia will vary based on several factors like the city where the lawyer is located, the lawyer’s experience, and the amount of legal work a project or task requires.
What Legal Services does a Georgia Corporate Lawyer Provide?
Corporate lawyers in Georgia provide clients a wide range of legal services ranging from document drafting to representing the corporation in litigation.
Some common services that a business lawyer provides include:
- Corporation formation. Before registering a new corporation with the state of Georgia, a business owner must determine which type of corporation is best for their company. Types of corporations include for-profit, non-profit, and professional corporations. A lawyer can help you decide which type of corporation best suits the needs of your company. Some factors that you need to consider are tax benefits and services provided. For example, licensed professionals like lawyers are limited to establishing a professional corporation only.
- Drafting and filing corporate documents. To establish a new corporation in Georgia, the business owner must file Articles of Incorporation and Corporate Bylaws. Each of these documents must include specific information and any mistakes could result in the articles being rejected by the state. A corporate lawyer will know how to properly draft and file both documents.
- Acting as a registered agent. Every corporation is required to appoint an individual to act as the registered agent of the company to receive legal documents on the company’s behalf. Some corporations choose an incorporator or director to act as the registered agent, but many opt to use a lawyer. The documents served on a registered agent will be legal documents, so it makes sense to have the documents sent straight to the attorney.
- Contract drafting and review. Most corporations use a variety of contracts in day-to-day operations. A corporate lawyer can draft and review contracts to ensure that the business is protected, and any agreements made are legally binding. Some commonly used business contracts include service agreements, employment contracts, and non-compete agreements.
- Mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring. Restructuring a corporation and facilitating a merger or acquisition can be a complicated process. A business lawyer will assist by identifying legal risks and liabilities associated with the transaction and drafting and reviewing documents, like letters of intent, purchase agreements, and disclosure documents.
- Intellectual property rights. Most corporations use trademarks, trade secrets, or patents for their business. A corporate lawyer will know how to register all intellectual property with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect the corporation’s rights and avoid infringement issues.
- Dispute resolution. Disputes are a common occurrence in the corporate world. Issues may arise between shareholders, directors, or with company clients. A lawyer can assist in settling legal issues in negotiation, arbitration, or by representing the corporation in a legal action in court.
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Does a Corporate Lawyer Go to Court?
Yes. Corporate lawyers are often trained litigators and can represent a corporation in all types of legal matters in court. Most states, Georgia included, prohibit corporations from representing themselves in court so the corporation is required to hire a lawyer for legal representation in a court proceeding.
Corporate lawyers may represent corporations in breach of contract claims, employment lawsuits, or proceedings relating to the violation of laws and regulations. Corporate lawyers will be familiar with all aspects of civil litigation including filing pleadings, conducting discovery, interviewing witnesses, and presenting an argument in court.
Corporate lawyers will also represent corporations in dispute resolutions outside of court like negotiation or arbitration.
How Much Do Georgia Law Firms Charge?
In Georgia, the amount a law firm charges depends on several factors. When determining what to charge clients, law firms will consider the area of practice, the demand of lawyers in this practice area, the city in which they practice, and the years of experience of the lawyers at the firm.
Here are some of the average fees for attorneys in Georgia based on practice areas:
Factors That Impact Lawyer Costs in Georgia
Area of Practice
The type of law practiced by a lawyer will significantly affect the cost of legal services. An attorney who practices in a specialized area of law that requires additional education or certification like labor and employment law or intellectual property law can usually charge more for their time.
Corporate lawyers tend to specialize in areas of law that affect business like contract law, employment law, and tax law. In addition, many corporate lawyers are also trained litigators and may specialize in business litigation. A lawyer with this type of specialized knowledge will be in high demand in the corporate world so they can charge higher fees.
Level of Experience
Experience is important in the legal field because it provides a lawyer with practical knowledge and a deep understanding of the laws in their field of expertise. Lawyers that have gained a good reputation and have a proven track record in court are in high demand so these lawyers can charge clients more.
An experienced corporate lawyer will have a stronger skillset than a new lawyer fresh out of law school. They will be able to provide clients with more sound advice and guidance because they have been able to see what makes corporations successful and what mistakes to avoid.
Amount of Work Required
Different cases and legal projects will require different amounts of work. Most corporate lawyers charge clients using an hourly rate fee structure. This means that the amount of time spent on a case will affect the overall cost of legal services. More complex cases that involve litigation will require more hours of work than a simple contract drafting project.
Before hiring a lawyer for legal services, a client should clearly communicate with the attorney about the work that needs to be done. This will allow the lawyer to provide the client with an accurate estimate of how much representation may cost.
Get Help with Hiring an Attorney
Do you need help with hiring a corporate attorney for a project? If so, post a project in ContractsCounsel’s marketplace to receive bids from corporate lawyers who are licensed to practice law in Georgia and can handle your project. All lawyers on the ContractsCounsel's platform are vetted by our team to make sure you are provided with top-tier service.
