How to choose the right law firm
You will need to access legal advice both at the beginning of
your business and as it develops. It is vital that you find a law
firm you can deal with happily straight away rather than waiting
for a crisis to occur. This guide will help you with tips about how
to choose the best law firm for your business.
- What to look for in a law firm
- Where to look
- Talking to prospective solicitors
What to look for in a law firm
You should find a firm which has experience of working with
businesses in your sector and understands the nature of your
business. The firm should be able to offer advice and explanations
in clear, plain language not legal talk. Smaller law firms are good
options for start-up businesses as they may value you more as a
client and their costs may be lower. All solicitors must hold a
practising certificate issued by the Law Society, the professional
body for solicitors. Get this verified with the Law Society so you
know the firm is qualified.
- A firm should understand the nature of your business and the
sector you are in
- Ensure they are qualified to give you advice
Where to look
The Law Society is a good start. It can put you in touch with
solicitors in your area or with your particular specialisation and
arrange a free initial consultation. You can also ask other
businesses of a similar size to yours or friends if they can
recommend a particular firm they have used. Bank managers,
accountants and your local Chamber of Commerce are other sources.
Always ask them what the law firm was engaged to do and if the
solicitor was a specialist. Did they find them approachable,
effective and easy to get on with? Importantly find out how much
they cost.
- Talk to friends, business contacts, bank managers or
accountants about good firms
- Use the services of the Law Society to help you find the best
firm for you
Talking to prospective solicitors
It would be best to see a number of solicitors, not just one,
face-to-face. Ask the solicitor directly what they know about your
business and your individual sector. Regarding legal fees you
should understand that solicitors usually charge on a hourly rate.
Find out how they intend to charge you. You should try and get them
to agree a fixed spending limit so you do not go over budget. Get
quotes from each solicitor you see with breakdowns of costs such as
hourly charges. Also get them to outline what other services the
firm may be able to offer you as your business grows. At the end of
your conversation ask for contact details of client referees and
testimonials.
- Meet the firm face-to-face to judge whether you could work with
them or not
- Try and see a number of solicitors - don't just go for the
first one
Smarta Business Builder
To help you on your business journey, we've
created Smarta Business Builder, the complete online
tools package for growing your business. Website, Business
Planning, Accounts, Legal Docs and Email - all in one place - from
just £20 per month with no contract! Try it out today!