Attorneys who agree to represent individuals with small business issues will typically bill clients on an hourly basis or on a fixed-fee basis for some services.
Attorneys charge for expenses incurred on behalf of clients. These expenses typically include copying charges, long-distance phone charges, postage, faxes and filing fees, and other expenses associated with handling your case.
Attorneys are required to provide written fee agreements. Fee agreements clarify what you will be charged for, when you are expected to pay your invoices, and what you should do if you have a concern about fees.
What to ask:
- What do you recommend as the best course of action for me and my small business?
- What kind of things would you recommend I do to protect myself and my business?
- What kinds of issues might I face related to property or zoning?
- Business property documents or leases as applicable
- How long will it take you to review my needs and finish the work I need?
- How much of your practice is focused on helping clients with similar small business issues?
What to bring:
- Copy of business plan if one exists or a concise written description of how the business will operate, products or services it provides, and expected growth.
- Competitive analysis as applicable.
- Business insurance documents.
- Business property documents or leases as applicable.
- List of business concerns and goals.
- Copies of logos, trademarks, or proposed business identification marks and/or first commercial example of use of trademark.