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Hiring Contract Lawyers Broken Down

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Hiring Contract Lawyers

When you start a business, there are two professionals you will need to partner with right from the start. The first is an accountant. The second? A contract attorney.

The world of business is powered by contracts. From property leases to vendor agreements to employment contracts, business owners sign a lot of paperwork. For this paperwork to serve you well, it needs to offer you critical protections and be in line with local, state, and federal laws. And while Google can be a big help with many things, it doesn’t replace a law degree.

Understanding that you need a contract lawyer is just the first step of the process, though. The next is to hire one that will provide the assistance you need. So, what should you look for when hiring a contract lawyer?

A Contract Lawyer Should Have Proper Training

Not everyone who advertises their legal services is an actual lawyer. While presenting yourself as an attorney when you are not is illegal, people still do it. So the first thing you want to verify is that the person you are working with has the proper training. This means they completed law school and earned a Juris Doctor. All contract lawyers should be able to provide quick proof of their training.

A Contract Lawyer Should Be Licensed to Practice in the Right State

Like most areas of law, contract law is determined at the state level, not the federal one. This means that the contract lawyer you select needs to have passed the bar examination in your state or whatever state is involved with the contracts you need. Keep in mind that the jurisdiction for a contract might not be what you expect, so be open to direction from the lawyers you speak to.

A Contract Lawyer Should Be Experienced

It might sound obvious, but the contract lawyer you select should have significant experience working with contracts. Because contract law is often considered a side specialty, it isn’t uncommon for lawyers to dabble in contract law while primarily focusing in another area. This is fine if the attorney still devotes significant time to their contract law practice, but if they only review contracts a few times a year, they might not be the best fit, especially if the contracts you need written, managed, and enforced are high stakes.

A Contract Lawyer Should Know Your Business

The nuances of contracts can vary between industries. Because of this, the contract lawyer you choose needs to understand the ins and outs of your business. If they don’t, it is easy to miss key risks that leave you open to litigation and losses. Knowledge of common problems within your industry is key, even if they do not specialize in contracts for your field.

A Contract Lawyer Should Be a Good Fit for You

Finally, the contract lawyer you choose needs to be one that makes you feel comfortable. Hopefully, this will be someone you can rely on for all your contract needs that arise over the years. If you don’t have a good rapport with them, that relationship could be strained. Look for someone you can speak openly with and trust in.

Finding Contract Lawyers Near You

Getting the legal assistance you need can seem daunting, but with Contracts Counsel, it is simple. Through our boutique marketplace, you can get quotes from vetted attorneys who understand your industry. Turn to ContractsCounsel.com for help that fits within your budget.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


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I am a Lawyer/CPA/Technology Startup Advisor/Executive with experience in global corporate law and finance, startup finance, accounting, technology, and business operations with a focus on startups of all kinds and non-profits. I have worked at a large international finance law firm, one of the Big Four Accounting firms, technology startups and non-profits. I help startups and non-profits get organized, get funded, and get going. I've seen all the mistakes made (often more than once), and so I can help you learn from, rather than repeat, history. I know all the insider rules, so you end up getting a fair start and a fair deal, rather than getting taken advantage of (whether an entrepreneur or an investor). My expertise includes: - organization of corporations | organizations of llcs | non-profits and dealing with the IRS - splitting equity | founder structure | founder equity | founder disputes - startup valuation | pitch decks and forecasts | raising capital | finding angel investors, accelerators and venture investors - SAFEs | convertible notes | preferred stock | restricted stock | stock options | 409A - Advisors - setting up cyber-secure business operations - trademarks | patents | intellectual property - employment law - cyber liability and ecommerce including privacy policies and terms of service - accounting and tax - litigation management References: https://www.upcounsel.com/profile/tjlovejr#reviews LION: LinkedIn Open Networker / connect with me at tlove@tjlovejr.com

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Curt Brown has experience advising clients on a variety of franchising, business litigation, transactional, and securities law matters. Mr. Brown's accolades include: - Super Lawyers Rising Star - California Lawyer of the Year by The Daily Journal - Pro Bono Attorney of the Year the USC Public Interest Law Fund Curt started his legal career in the Los Angeles office of the prestigious firm of Irell & Manella LLP, where his practice focused on a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters, including securities litigation, antitrust, trademark, bankruptcy, and class action defense. Mr. Brown also has experience advising mergers and acquisitions and international companies concerning cyber liability and class action defense. He is admitted in California, Florida, D.C., Washington, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan.

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Shelia A. Huggins is a 20-year North Carolina licensed attorney, focusing primarily on business, contracts, arts and entertainment, social media, and internet law. She previously served on the Board of Visitors for the North Carolina Central University School of Business and the Board of Advisors for the Alamance Community College Small Business Center. Ms. Huggins has taught Business and Entertainment Law at North Carolina Central University’s law school and lectured on topics such as business formation, partnerships, independent contractor agreements, social media law, and employment law at workshops across the state. You can learn more about me here: www.sheliahugginslaw.com www.instagram.com/mslegalista www.youtube.com/mslegalista www.facebook.com/sheliahuugginslaw

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I have been a business and real estate attorney for 38 years. I handle both transactional and litigation matters.

Morgan N. on ContractsCounsel
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Morgan N.

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Morgan is a real estate attorney with six years of experience in residential, land, and commercial real estate transactions. He has experience assisting municipalities, businesses, buyers and sellers in real estate related matters. He has worked on various projects including purchase agreements, contract for deed, easements, mortgages, access agreements, contract/lease review and also title review. Prior to entering private practice, Morgan was a Realtor and assisted buyers and sellers in residential sales and closing services. Morgan provides proactive, responsive and dependable work to each client and project.

Bukhari N. on ContractsCounsel
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Bukhari N.

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John has extensive leadership experience in various industries, including hospitality and event-based businesses, then co-founded a successful event bar company in 2016. As co-founder, John routinely negotiated agreements with venues, suppliers, and other external partners, swiftly reaching agreement while protecting the brand and strategic objectives of the company. He leverages his business experience to provide clients with strategic legal counsel and negotiates attractive terms.

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