Consider why your business needs an attorney
When you start looking for a business attorney, it’s important to assess your specific legal requirements. Types of legal assistance include:
- Drafting and reviewing contracts
- Buying or selling business assets
- Filing reports with the Oklahoma Secretary of State and other governmental regulatory offices
- Representation in lawsuits
- Complying with laws
- Negotiating contracts
Different firms and attorneys often structure their practices to address specific issues, even if they all identify as business attorneys. Gungoll Jackson attorneys have diverse backgrounds to help you address all legal issues.
Research Oklahoma law firms
Once you have assessed your situation, it’s time to research potential attorneys. Selecting an attorney simply because the attorney or firm appears at the top of your search results is not research. A law firm’s position in search results may have more to do with search engine optimization (SEO) efforts and advertising campaigns than experience or skill set.
Be as intentional about researching the reputation of attorneys and firms as you would for any other critical business decision.
- Ask your business network for referrals. You can benefit from the first-person impressions of their own legal experiences with attorneys they recommend.
- Review the litigation results of attorneys and firms on the Oklahoma State Court Network.
- Visit law firm websites to familiarize yourself with the types of legal assistance they provide and learn more details about specific attorneys.
Questions to ask your potential business lawyer
After you narrow your options and meet with prospective attorneys, keep the following questions in mind:
- How familiar are you with our business and industry?
- How much experience do you have handling the issues relevant to my business?
- What is your reputation?
- What is your communication style?
- How often will you reach out to me?
- What are your law firm’s billing practices?
- Who will actually be doing the legal work?
- Do you outsource any tasks?
Ask yourself whether you feel comfortable freely expressing your concerns and uncertainties. More important, do you trust their judgment? These are broad questions. There is no foolproof way to find an attorney, but there are steps you can take to make more informed decisions.
Pay attention to anything that gives you pause. If an attorney does not answer your questions or pressures you to make a hiring decision, the attorney may not be the right fit for you.
Consider how much a business attorney costs in Oklahoma
Keep your budget in mind. In the legal industry, like most products and services, an attorney’s rate is not necessarily the best indicator of the attorney’s skill. The cheapest or most expensive does not mean the best.
Selecting a business attorney is the beginning of an ongoing relationship. Continuity will make it easier for both you and your attorney. You avoid bringing various parties up to speed every time you have a legal issue, and the attorney has the foundational knowledge to understand where your business is legally situated.
