Fort Worth Startup Attorneys & Lawyers

Why Hire a Startup Lawyer?

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is becoming a startup hub with one of the highest concentrations of high-tech workers in the country, so there are several important reasons a startup company here should should hire the best startup lawyer in Fort Worth at the very beginning of its business.

• Texas laws and regulations: It is unlikely that you are up to date on the latest rules and regulations that Texas state law requires of businesses. A startup lawyer will be. It is best to ensure that you are not breaking any laws and that you are registering everything in the proper way from the very beginning.

• Tax responsibilities: A good startup lawyer in Fort Worth will be able to ensure that you not only are meeting your tax obligations at the state and federal level, but also that you are receiving any tax breaks that you may be eligible for.

• Liability issues: It's best to make sure that you are not liable for misunderstandings during interactions with customers, suppliers, employees, or the general public. This helps you avoid any lawsuits before they can occur.

• Contracts: Whether they are with customers, suppliers, or business partners, contracts are very important. You want someone on your side who understands all of the legal jargon and who can ensure you are getting the best possible deal.

• Business licenses and permits: A startup lawyer can help you determine all of the necessary licenses, permits, certifications, registrations, and authorizations that are specific to your business on the federal, state, and local level. If you require permits to operate across city, county, or state borders, a local Fort Worth attorney will know best what you require.

• Business registration: If you plan to incorporate or become a limited liability company, you will want to consult with a business lawyer. He or she can help explain what each type of business registration means and which will be best for your company.

How to Find the Best Startup Lawyer in Fort Worth 

Finding the best startup lawyer in Fort Worth can be a difficult task. With its proximity to Dallas, you are likely to have an enormous pool of attorneys to choose from. 

• Start by asking business people you trust for recommendations. Speak to others in your industry who deal with similar issues that you think you will face for the names of their lawyers. Ask your accountant or other small business owners who may not be in your niche, but are in the area of Fort Worth where you want to operate. If people are willing to give you a contact, ask them what they think of the lawyer. Find out as much as you can without being pushy.

• Do your research. You can find names of more lawyers from the Texas Bar Association. Then look them up. Find out as much as you can about them and explore whether or not they would be a good fit for your startup.

• Make a short list. Once you've done all your research, make a list of no more than five startup attorneys you want to speak with. Get their contact details and make appointments to speak with them. This is a good opportunity to gauge whether or not they are easily available. If they don't answer your emails or return your phone calls, they're probably not going to be someone who can meet your startup needs.

• Speak with candidates in person. You want to see if you have a connection. You want to be able to explain exactly what you require as a startup business and what your company is all about. Your future lawyer should understand the vision you have for your business and be able to demonstrate how they're going to help you reach your goals.

• Talk about price. While the cost shouldn't be the main reason you choose a lawyer, startup lawyers should have reasonable rates because they know companies in this phase don't have excessive amounts to spend on legal fees.

Questions for Startup Lawyers 

When you meet with the lawyers on your short list, you should have several questions prepared to make sure you find the best startup lawyer for your business.

• Have you worked with startup businesses before?

If you haven't been able to find this out from your research, it's something you should ask right away. If they haven't worked with startups in the past, you don't want to be their first.

• Will anyone else from the firm be working with me?

If anyone else will be handling your business, you should know about it upfront. You should also know how much that person charges as well. Every lawyer will have different fees, and knowing exactly what your costs will be is vital before signing on with any firm.

• Have you worked with other businesses in my niche?

If you're a tech startup and they mostly work with brick-and-mortar startups, it may be difficult for them to understand exactly what you need from them. Although it may not be a huge deal-breaker, it's something you should know about them. Having someone who has worked in your niche before could mean they have contacts, or even be able to introduce you to suppliers or customers.

A Fort Worth startup attorney who is a good fit for your business is one of the first people you should form a relationship with.