Many people want to avoid dealing with lawyers. In business, though, getting a reliable and qualified lawyer is a critical step in the course of running the organization. If you’ve never had experience with a lawyer, you may not even know what to start looking for. All lawyers are built the same right? They all have to follow the same rules, so shouldn’t they all work the same?
Sadly, as much as we wish it were true, not every lawyer is going to be a good fit for you. Finding the right fit for you is going to be imperative to a successful relationship between both parties. That is why when you are searching for a lawyer, it is important that they have the following qualities.
Industry Experience
While it is imperative that your lawyer have not only business experience, they should have experience in the field that you are in. As an example, this could be a construction company, and you would need your business lawyer to have a higher understanding of city ordinances and zoning laws. You want someone who knows the field you are in, as it will make things run as smoothly as possible.
Problem Solver
It is no secret that the laws can be complicated. A good lawyer is going to offer you solutions to your problems, not compromise. This could be anything from contract drafting, interpretation of contracts, or litigation services. You should expect guidance and support to help figure out a solution to the problem that not only will protect you and your assets but also everything that you have worked towards so far. If your lawyer is only giving you half a solution, then it might be time to move on and find someone new.
Communication
You should be able to contact your lawyer directly, and without having to play phone tag. If you need to contact your lawyer, you should be able to and not feel ignored or pushed aside. This means that you aren’t being left on read for days on end with no straightforward answers. Your lawyer shouldn’t leave you feeling confused. If you are feeling this way, then you should seek out a new lawyer. Being well informed and understanding the laws is important to your business and you should never feel you don’t understand something.
Credibility
You want someone who does good work and has the proof to show it. This could be from online reviews to asking for referrals from your lawyer. A good lawyer is going to be able to give you referrals to other places and be in good standing with past clients. If people aren’t happy with the results, you will know.