When you open a small business, odds are you aren’t thinking about the risk of lawsuits. Most business owners hope that they don’t have to face lawsuits and do everything they can to avoid them from the start. Unfortunately, most companies face lawsuits at some point during their operation, no matter how careful they are.
As a litigation law firm like Brown Kiely, LLP can explain, any small business owner should have a lawyer to represent the company in the case of a legal issue. Here are four different areas where you need legal representation.
General Business
A general business lawyer can handle a range of issues regarding your business. General business lawyers do not tend to have a specialty but can instead talk about various business-related matters. When you own a business, you should always have a general lawyer on retainer.
Taxes
When it comes to running a business, one of the most complex aspects is your taxes. While you should always have a CPA or accountant to help you with your taxes, hiring a lawyer who specializes in taxes may also be beneficial. Tax attorneys have extensive experience handling tax law.
Employment and Labor
If you run a business with employees, a labor or employment lawyer will help guide you regarding hiring laws. For example, a lawyer will be able to inform you of the different state and federal laws regarding employment to ensure that you comply with all regulations. If an employee accuses you of discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination, you could face an expensive lawsuit and damage your reputation. Your business lawyer will help fight for you.
Intellectual Property
If you have trademarks or patents, you need a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property rights. These lawyers know the necessary information to deal with patents, trademarks and copyrights. Not only does an intellectual property lawyer ensure that you never infringe on someone else’s intellectual property, but he or she will ensure that no one violates your rights. If another business accuses you of violating their copyright, it can be one of the most expensive lawsuits that you have to deal with in business.
Protecting your business from lawsuits and ensuring you are always in compliance with the law is critical to running the company. Set up a consultation today with a business lawyer to determine what parts of your business could be protected. While most business owners hope they don’t have to deal with lawsuits, it can happen to anyone. Be prepared and contact a lawyer today.