Top Nine Questions to Ask a Corporate Lawyer
If you’re looking for corporate legal assistance in Florida, whether it’s for contract drafting, business formation, or filing for bankruptcy, it’s crucial to pick a reliable law firm with high standards. After all, the service that you receive will directly impact your business! Therefore, it’s essential to choose a corporate attorney that accurately represents you and your business with sound advice.
If you’ve never worked with a corporate lawyer before, you may not know where to start when it comes to choosing the right one for your business. To make the whole process more comfortable for you, we’ve outlined nine valuable questions to ask a corporate lawyer.
During your initial consultation, ask these questions to help you understand if this law firm is the right fit for you, and capable of providing you with a favorable outcome in your legal matters.
1. What is the best form of business entity for my business?
When it comes to deciding between a limited liability corporation, a partnership, an S Corp, or other entity, the decision is based on taxes, liability, and the business’s individual needs and plans. A corporate attorney can walk you through the types of entities in Florida and help you to decide which is best for you.
2. Will you file on Sunbiz for my company, or do I register myself?
Many people have learned that filing Articles of Incorporation on Sunbiz is a reasonably straightforward process. However, occasionally, some questions are better suited for an attorney to answer. If one chooses to file on one's own, be prepared to file your statement each year as well. If you are hiring an attorney to do so, make sure that you are aware of the costs of filing the report each year.
3. Will you be acting as my registered agent?
Some companies choose to hire a specific company to act as a registered agent, while other companies prefer to be their registered agent. Finally, some use their attorneys or in-house counsel to act as registered agents. There are certainly benefits of doing so, but one should be aware of the cost of this as well.
4. What is an operating agreement, and do I need one?
An operating agreement will control the company if it is an LLC. A Partnership Agreement will control the terms of a Partnership. It will be a contract that will govern how the business operates, what share each member/partner will have, and how decisions will get made.
5. Will I be billed hourly or on a flat rate for setting up my company?
Many transactional lawyers charge one flat rate to set up a company. Others charge by the hour and bill a retainer fee. Make sure you find out in advance how you will get charged, so there are no surprises.
6. How will I communicate with you?
It’s essential to know from your attorney if you will be able to call with questions or if it’s best to email questions. Also, ask who you’re the point of contact is for your file.
7. If an addendum becomes necessary, how will you be billed?
If an addendum is necessary for your contract or additional contracts are needed, will you get a discount, or will you pay a flat rate? Every attorney’s office is different, and knowing this will help you to make an informed decision about whom you will hire.
8. Do you customize employment agreements, or follow a standard format?
When you receive a contract for your business to distribute to customers or employees, can you modify them (put in the details as needed), or are they printed and cannot be changed so as not to incur additional liability?
9. After your representation has ended, can you call for additional questions, and if so, at what cost?
If a year from your representation, you incur a problem, can you call to ask a quick question without incurring an hourly rate, or will you be billed for any items after the initial period of representation has concluded? Make sure you find out!
Want to get started working with a trusted law firm in West Palm Beach, Florida, that can put your business on track? Then say hi to us at The Quattro Firm, L.L.C.
Backed by a passionate and driven team of attorneys, we are committed to providing justice for every person and business that we represent. Along with corporate matters, we also cover estate planning, landlord-tenant law, and general litigation law that fit your budget.
Reach out to The Quattro Firm, L.L.C. today to get started on your legal issue or take a look at our work here.