Choose a solicitor for your business
Tackle legal issues with your business correctly by choosing the right solicitor for your business needs.
You can save your business a lot of time and money if you approach legal issues in the right way from the start. It's easier to sort out legal issues at the start. Later, they can be harder and cost more to solve.
There are a number of common legal errors made by businesses. Some businesses overlook legal advice when signing a lease. They end up vulnerable to surprise rent hikes or hidden fees. You can protect your business from financial risks by understanding the importance of legal guidance in business premises lease agreements.
Others make critical errors when setting up the legal structure for the business. It's important to understand the legal implications of different business structures and seek expert advice to avoid future problems.
Choosing the right solicitor is an important part of the process. This guide outlines how to choose the right solicitor for your business needs and how to communicate with your solicitor.
Legal advice for businesses
Legal advice can be useful when dealing with business premises, debt control and other key business areas.
If you are looking for professional legal advice for your business, there are a range of key areas where expert guidance can be beneficial.
Company structure
Establishing the right company structure is a fundamental step in starting your business. You can trade as self-employed, form a partnership, or incorporate a limited company. The choice can affect your business's operations, taxes, and legal duties. See legal structures: the basics.
Business premises
Choosing the proper business premises is a significant decision. It can impact your operations and customer experience. You might lease commercial space or buy property outright. You should negotiate and make sure you understand the lease's terms. See buying business property and renting commercial property.
Contract terms and service levels
Clear contract terms safeguard your interests and help you build strong relationships with customers and suppliers. Make sure you fully understand lease terms, including rent, length, and repair responsibilities. See how to negotiate the right deal with suppliers and ensure customers pay you on time.
Protecting your business ideas and confirming ownership
Protecting your intellectual property rights is important. It maintains the value of your innovations and prevents unauthorised use. You should also check that you're not infringing the rights of other businesses. See protecting intellectual property.
Finance
Starting a business requires understanding the financial aspects, including the legal implications and responsibilities of raising capital. This is especially true when personal assets are involved. For instance, if one's home is at risk as collateral. It also includes managing financial agreements. See business financing options: an overview.
Debt control
Protecting you against bad debts is important. Getting advice on collecting debts is a key aspect of staying financially healthy for any business. You may be dealing with unpaid invoices, loans, or other debts. You should use strategies to control debt and reduce risks. See how to recover debt through court.
Franchising
Starting a franchise offers entrepreneurs a chance to use established brand recognition and proven business models. However, understanding franchising agreements can be complex. It requires attention to detail and expert legal help. See buy a franchise.
Employment law
Understanding employment law is a key duty for businesses. Following laws helps maintain good employee relations and minimises legal risks. It also fosters a productive work environment. See taking on staff.
Find a solicitor for your business
How to find a solicitor that's right for the size of your business and the industry sector which you operate in.
It is important to find the right solicitor for your business needs.
A good idea is to get suggestions from similar sized businesses or other business associates in your field. Ask if they can recommend a reliable lawyer or law firm.
If you belong to a trade or professional association, they may be able to put you in touch with solicitors who who specialise in your type of business. This is useful for finding solicitors with industry specific knowledge.
You can with the Trade Association Forum (TAF).
The Law Society of Northern Ireland has a to find qualified solicitors in your area.
Choose the right solicitor for your business needs
What to look for in prospective solicitors for your business and how specialist solicitors may be right for some issues.
Most legal firms cover the majority of issues that your business might need advice about.
The Law Society of Northern Ireland can help finding a qualified specialist solicitor if your needs are more complex.
Search the Law Society of Northern Ireland's .
You need to be sure your solicitor is qualified and has insurance to protect you if anything goes wrong. Solicitors must hold a practising certificate, unless they are only employed by your business. The certificate means they are licensed to practice. It is issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the independent regulator of the Law Society of England and Wales.
All Law Society-listed lawyers hold practising certificates. Use the to find out if a potential solicitor is listed.
In Northern Ireland, practising certificates are issued by the Law Society of Northern Ireland, the regulatory body for solicitors which also ensures that solicitors have insurance to protect their clients. This practicing certificate means they are licensed to practice in NI.
When seeking legal help, ask for quotes from many solicitors. Once you have gathered a shortlist of potential solicitors, meet them face to face to make sure they will be suitable for you.
Solicitors typically bill on an hourly basis, but it is possible to agree fixed spending limits so that you don't go over budget.
Once you have worked with a solicitor and are happy with their service, it's wise to keep working with them. If they understand the needs of your business, they will be more effective in addressing legal matters.
Communicating with your solicitor
How to manage the business relationship with your solicitor and how to spot potential problems with the relationship.
Many businesses maintain a relationship with the solicitor they have used from the outset, however, it is important to monitor that relationship to ensure you are getting the right level of advice for the money you are paying.
It's smart to check the range of services that a lawyer offers. They may advise on other areas to save you money. They may be able to give you advice on employment law, for instance, or advise you on the insurance you may need to protect your business in the event of a claim.
As with any business relationship, it's important to monitor how well using a particular solicitor works in terms of cost and efficiency.
You should regularly check whether:
- the advice you have been given has been useful or successful
- you believe the solicitor has acted in your best interests
- the solicitor's rates are in line with their competition
- there are other legal issues that your solicitor may handle. It may be more time and cost-effective for them to do so, rather than for you to handle them in-house
Ten questions to ask before hiring a solicitor
Some useful questions you should ask solicitors before deciding to hire a solicitor for your business.
To find the best solicitor for your needs, ask the following questions about your prospective solicitor.
- Do they understand your business and industry? If not, it's often helpful to provide them with a written summary.
- Is the solicitor happy to take you on as a client and comfortable with the work you want them to do?
- Do they have a Law Society of Northern Ireland certificate? Do they have insurance to protect you if something goes wrong?
- What are their hourly rates or fee structures?
- Do they think your business goals are realistic? If so, can they outline the steps needed to achieve them?
- Will they explain things in clear, plain language and not confuse you with legal jargon?
- Will they provide practical solutions rather than just legal commentary on your case?
- Will they agree on methods and frequency of communication, whether through face-to-face meetings, phone calls, letters, or emails?
- Can they provide you with a client-care letter that sets out their terms of business and complaints procedure?
- Can they offer additional legal services as your business grows?
The Law Society of Northern Ireland has a that you can use to find local solicitors.
How to make a complaint about a solicitor
Key steps to take if you are unhappy with the service provided by your solicitor and where to go to complain.
If you are unhappy with your solicitor's service, it's best to follow set steps.
- First, write directly to the person who handles complaints at your solicitor's firm. Outline the problem. Ask them to confirm who will handle it and how quickly. If your complaint is about your solicitor's bill, act quickly. Time limits apply if you need to escalate the complaint.
- If you cannot reach an agreement through your solicitor's internal complaints procedure, you can take your complaint to the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Find details on how to . he progress of the complaint depends on whether it involves past or future court action. Even if a complaint has not been resolved, you may need to pay at least part of your solicitor's bill. Check with the Law Society of Northern Ireland.
- If the Law Society of Northern Ireland cannot fix the complaint to your satisfaction, you may be able to complain to the Lay Observer for Northern Ireland. You can in writing.
The Lay Observer for Northern Ireland is unlikely to examine your original complaint - it usually only looks at how it has been handled by the Law Society of Northern Ireland.