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.