But an Solicitor who is difficult to work with or provides shoddy legal advice can magnify an already touchy relationship.
To illustrate: What would you do if a partnership went sour and the lawyer that once represented both of you goes on to represent your former partner? Conflict of interest, yes. However, in this case, you also signed a legal document agreeing to this without being informed of the possible implications.
So what was bad legal advice back then—no forewarning about what might happen if your partnership ended—has morphed into a bigger problem now.
What can you do to avoid becoming one of these cautionary stories? First, know that finding a good lawyer, and avoiding a bad one, can be a process as detailed as finding a new employee. And it could potentially mean even more to your business.
1. Don't go for a general practitioner when you need a
specialist.Using the same business lawyer you've trusted from the beginning
may lead to a bad experience if you really need a specialist. Should the case
end up in court, you don't want a lawyer who has never performed litigation
cutting his teeth at your expense. The word "specialist" may cause you to cringe
and think of high cost. However, lets argue that a specialist may turn out
to be less expensive, depending on your needs. Where a general small-business
attorney may take days to research and draw up the right documents, a real
estate or tax specialist may solve your problem in a matter of hours.
2. Do some legwork to find a good Solicitor.Simply put, don't
let your fingers do the walking when it comes to tracking down competent legal
advice. "Don't be lazy," Starnes says. "You can't go to the mall and get a
lawyer." If you need a specialist, ask your current lawyer for a referral. Don't
stop there, though; ask people you know with some connection to your legal
community. Get references and do background checks. The more time you put into
your search, the better your chances of getting a competent lawyer who's also
suited to your business.
3. Do some due diligence on Solicitors' costs and fees, too.Before
you contact a lawyer, consider how much time and money you are willing to spend
on one. Make sure to account for time away from your business. Do some research
on the Web and make some phone calls to get basic understanding of lawyers'
costs and whether your problem is worth what it might cost. If you decide that
the issue is big enough, then it's time to meet with a lawyer to discuss the
problem and the fees required to solve it. But proceed cautiously: In the hands
of the wrong lawyer, your £3,000 problem can quickly escalate into £30,000 and
take months to resolve. If you lose, you now have to deal with both the original
problem and a hefty legal fee.
4. Don't sign up unless you're completely comfortable with the fee
arrangement and relationship.Make sure an attorney is worth what you're
spending—agree only to a fee structure that suits you. Small-business owners are
often asked to sign blank checks or retainer fees. Avoid doing this if at all
possible, Starnes says. It means that you are dependent on the Honor system and
likely will have no idea how much time your lawyer actually spends on your case.
Instead, ask your lawyer for an estimate at the beginning. This will allow you
to set up a budget and to avoid any unexpected surprises when the bills arrive.
Take it as a serious red flag if the lawyer balks. As an Solicitor, "I can give
you an estimate on just about anything that I know how to do," Starnes says. "At
the very least, I can give you a range and tell you the factors that will make
it higher or lower. "Also, insist on a written fee agreement where all
anticipated costs and fees are specified. In other words, get it in writing.
5. Understand what an Solicitor is doing for you.The last thing
you want is for a legal problem to bite you later because your lawyer neglected
to file the documents with the right government department-or, just as bad, did
not let you know what the documents meant. That said, another warning sign is
your lawyer failing to explain any sort of legal document he or she is drafting.
To keep your relationship running smoothly, keep a written account of all
interactions that you have with your Solicitor. As Starnes says in her book, "One
of the most helpful things you can do, especially early in your relationship
with your lawyer, is to provide a written summary and chronology of what
happened. "This is particularly important in discussions concerning money. By
documenting your understanding of fee changes or potential settlement
discussions along the way, you will ensure a fair and quick resolution of any
future disputes. As you move through each stage, question the things that you
don't understand. A good lawyer will take the time to explain and answer these
questions.
6. Insist on a good system of communication.Insist in advance
on how and how often you should communicate. If you have to wait days or weeks
to hear back from your lawyer, either you didn't relate your expectations well
enough, or you have a lawyer too busy to take on your business. Give some
thought to finding a new one as soon as you can. Starnes points out that you
could have the best lawyer in the country, but if she is too wrapped up in a
high-profile case, she isn't devoting much time to you. That means your problem
is unnecessarily going to take more time, and more money, to resolve.
7. Be wary of the "slam dunk" claim."Any Solicitor who tells you
you've got a slam dunk case is probably not a very good lawyer," Starnes says.
"I have seen very few slam dunks in my time. The law is rarely black and white.
Oftentimes, there is a disagreement, and who will win and lose is difficult to
predict. "Depending on the case, an attorney likely will have to do some
research and talk to several people before making any kind of assessment. While
his confidence may be reassuring, his actions on your behalf are more important.
Also, trust your gut. If you feel doubts about a lawyer's comments or
competence, you may be best to cut your losses, terminate the relationship, and
move on.
remember you have the right of free choice!!!!
remember you have the right of free choice!!!!
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