If you are a small business owner or thinking about starting a new business, at some point you have probably wondered whether it is worth the time and money to consult a business attorney. The answer to that question is “yes”. As Benjamin Franklin famously stated, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By consulting with a business attorney as a preventative measure, business owners are often able to recognize and fix small problems, avoiding bigger and more expensive headaches down the road.
From business formation to The Americans with Disabilities Act, business lawyers guide entrepreneurs through the labyrinth of existing local, state, and federal regulations uniquely applicable to each of their client entities. Business owners are subjected to state and federal regulations in almost all areas of operation including employment and labor practices, advertising, business purchase and sale, online presence (i.e., website and social media activity), and surrounding the use and protection of intellectual property.
Additionally, the advice of a business attorney is crucial when drafting or reviewing the documents that will govern a business’ various internal and external relationships. Examples include the following:
- Partnership and Operating Agreements
- Employee Policies and Procedures (ex., social media use, vacation, workplace relationships, remote work)
- Employment and Contractor Agreements
- Client Contracts, Service Agreements and Terms of Service
- Real Estate Leases and Agreements
In each of these documents, the details matter and ambiguous terms can lead to lengthy and costly legal consequences, not to mention damage to ones’ business reputation.
For all these reasons and more, if you are looking to start a business or would like aspects of your current business reviewed, having a relationship with a business attorney is crucial to maintaining A Comprehensive Legal Foundation and for risk management.
(This blog, prepared by Campanella Law Office, is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to convey specific legal advice, nor is it intended to create or constitute an attorney-client relationship.)