How do you know if an attorney is the right fit for your business? Here are some important questions to ask before making your choice:

1. What Is Your Background in Business?

   A great business attorney doesn’t just understand the law. He has practical experience running businesses. Ask about their entrepreneurial background and real-world experience in managing businesses. An attorney who has been in your shoes will be able to offer advice grounded in practical knowledge and an understanding of the challenges you face.

2. What Is Your Experience with Small Businesses?

   Find out if the attorney has experience working specifically with small businesses. How long has the attorney worked in a small business. Look for someone who understands the unique challenges small business owners face, from entity formation to compliance issues.

3. What Makes Your Approach Different from Other Business Attorneys?

   You need to work with an attorney with a deep business background. They shouldn't just offer legal advice—they should offer strategic, actionable insights that come from experience in building and growing businesses. Whether you need guidance on tax planning, risk management, or employee relations, they should approach your business with a practical, business-owner mindset.

4. How Do You Balance Legal Compliance with Business Growth and Profitability?

   A strong General Counsel not only ensures compliance with regulations but also helps to foster business growth. Ask how they’ve navigated the challenge of protecting a company’s legal interests while also ensuring that compliance efforts don’t impede revenue generation or operational efficiency.

5. How Do You Approach Risk Management and Compliance?

   An effective General Counsel should be proactive in identifying potential legal risks before they become problems. Ask how he would manage potential liabilities and navigate complex regulatory environments, including wage and hour laws, intellectual property protection, and employment law.

6. How Much Do You Charge?

   When you ask the attorney how much they charge, pay attention to whether or not you get a firm price, a range, or an "estimate". An experienced attorney should know exactly what they charge and be 100% upfront and forthright about this. Be wary if the answer isn't 100% crystal clear.

7. How Accessible Are You With Clients?

   It’s essential that you can easily communicate with your attorney. Ask about their preferred methods of communication (phone, email, in-person meetings) and their typical response time. You want an attorney who is responsive when you need it.

8. Can You Help Me with Long-Term Business Planning?

   THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT AN ATTORNEY SHOULD DO FOR YOU. A skilled business attorney should not only solve immediate legal issues but also help you with strategic planning to avoid future legal pitfalls and grow your business in a sustainable way.

Asking these key questions ensures that you hire an attorney who is not only skilled but also understands your business and can provide practical, strategic advice. At My General Counsel On Call, we specialize in offering personalized legal counsel to small business owners throughout California, helping you navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence.

Don’t navigate this alone. Contact us today.