Why Should Small Business Owners Work with a Lawyer?
When many people think of business lawyers, they often first imagine large teams of attorneys who represent huge corporations. However, business law attorneys do much more than this and the majority of them do not represent big businesses. In fact, according to Forbes, 99.9 percent of companies in the United States are small businesses, and these enterprises need legal help, as well. Below, one of our Utah business law attorneys outlines just a few ways an attorney can help your business.
Finding the Right Business Structure
One of the most important services a Utah business lawyer can provide is to help your small business in the early stages of planning your company. One way an attorney will do this is by helping you choose the right business structure. An attorney will advise you of your options, explain the benefits and drawbacks of the different types of business structures, and help you determine which one is right for you.
A business law attorney will also prepare and file all the necessary formation documents, ensuring you are compliant with local, state, and federal requirements. A lawyer can also help you establish proper governance structure, including bylaws for corporations and operating agreements for LLCs.
Contract Review
Whether you are working with employees, partners, vendors, or clients, contracts form the backbone of these professional relationships. As a small business owner, though, you likely do not have the time to scrutinize pages and pages of legal language. You may also not be familiar with the important provisions to include in contracts, or if one is drafted properly. Some of the most common types of business contracts an attorney can help with include:
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Service agreements and terms of service
- Vendor and supplier contracts
- Partnership agreements
- Lease agreements
- Employment agreements
A lawyer can draft agreements that are clear and fair to both sides, and review any contracts you are given to sign to ensure they offer the protection you need. A lawyer can also identify any terms that may unnecessarily expose you to risk and if necessary, negotiate more favorable terms.
Dispute Resolution
Even with the strongest contracts in place, disputes are bound to arise during the course of business. When they do, having legal representation on your side can make all the difference. They will make sure you understand your rights, analyze your options, and help resolve your situation as quickly as possible through negotiation or mediation so it does not become a drawn-out legal battle.
Call Our Business Law Attorneys in Utah Today
The above are just a few ways our Utah business law attorneys at AGS Law can help your company. We can help you structure your business, review your contracts, and perform many other legal tasks to protect your investment and position your company for long-term success. Call us today at 801-477-6144 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to get the legal help you and your business needs.
Source:
forbes.com/advisor/business/small-business-statistics/
