Selecting an Attorney

The law is highly complex and most lawyers specialize in particular areas. For example, a lawyer with expertise in real estate matters often is not experienced in general corporate work, nor are litigation lawyers experienced in transactional matters and vice versa. So, when selecting counsel, make sure you know their particular expertise and be wary of the “one-size fits all” lawyer.

Because of the various specialties, most often, over the life of your business venture, you will need multiple lawyers to handle your various business needs. These may include a: corporate attorney (handling organizing your entity and general contract review), patent attorney (if you desire obtaining a patent on an invention), employment attorney (to handle employee issues), real estate attorney (if you are purchasing a building or leasing space) and litigation attorneys (in the event that you are sued or need to sue).

If you envision needing the services of multi-specialties, then it is recommended that you look to find a primary relationship with a mid-sized to large law firm. That way, you tap the expertise of a larger group of lawyers while maintaining a general business lawyer for all inquiries. The downside of using mid-sized to large law firms is they tend to be more expensive, and, as a small business, you may not get the attention that you need.

If a mid-sized to large firms are not attractive to you, then, select an attorney that has his or her primary competency in areas that meet most of your needs. This is probably an attorney that specializes in general corporate law.

So, when you choose a lawyer (whether in a large firm or as a solo practitioner) we have the following suggestions you may find helpful:

• Referrals and recommendations by friends or business associates that have similar legal needs is the very best way to find a competent lawyer.
• If you don’t know any lawyers or any friends or acquaintances that know lawyers, then, start with the Yellow Pages or use the Florida Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at www.floridabar.org. In Collier County, you can obtain a referral through: www.colliercountybar.org/programs.htm. In Lee County, you can obtain a referral through: www.leebar.org/lr.htm. In addition to these resources, you can also contact your local Small Business Resource Network at www.sbrn.org for a qualified referral.
• Once you have a list of prospects, interview the prospective lawyer either over the phone or in person. Find out what type of law they practice and the capabilities of the law firm itself.
• When you interview the lawyer, find out his or her fee arrangements and hourly rates. Ask for budgets and estimates on particular projects and/or the attorney’s willingness to do so.
• Find a lawyer that you are comfortable with as a person and as a professional as often you need to provide your attorney very personal information about you and your business.
• Check whether a particular attorney has any complaints against him or her at www.floridabar.org.
• For more information, we suggest you review the Consumer Pamphlet on “How to Find a Lawyer in Florida” located at www.floridabar.org.
  

Attorneys for SCORE

The following reputable Law Firms support the mission of SCORE Naples: