{"id":4532,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:33","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-lawyer-resources\/when-do-i-need-a-business-lawyer-for-my-small-business.html"},"modified":"2024-05-23T01:08:44","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T06:08:44","slug":"when-do-i-need-a-business-lawyer-for-my-small-business","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-lawyer-resources\/when-do-i-need-a-business-lawyer-for-my-small-business.html","title":{"rendered":"When Do I Need a Business Lawyer for My Small Business?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When Do I Need a Business Lawyer for My Small Business?<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Among the many worries for entrepreneurs creating a startup or running a small business is whether they need a business lawyer<\/a>. The perception is that attorneys charge high rates, and many small businesses only have a little, if any, extra capital to pay lawyers.<\/p>\r\n

As a result, most small business owners only hire an attorney experienced with business matters when confronted with a severe legal problem (e.g., you’re sued by a customer). Legal help is a cost of doing business that often saves money and helps your business in the long run.<\/p>\r\n

While you certainly don’t need an attorney for every step of running your business, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure. This article will explain when you can cover legal issues independently or with minimal attorney assistance and when you need a small business lawyer.<\/p>\r\n

Issues You Can Handle on Your Own<\/h2>\r\n

Certain matters are pretty straightforward or not unduly difficult to learn and, thus, do not require the services of an attorney who charges a high hourly rate. There are enough expenses associated with running a business. Why not save yourself a load of money and do it yourself?<\/p>\r\n

The following is a list of some tasks that business owners should consider taking on themselves (with the aid of self-help resources, online and in print):<\/p>\r\n