Phoenix Startup Attorneys & Lawyers

Why Hire a Startup Lawyer?

When you start a business in Phoenix, Arizona, you are probably focusing on the product(s) or service(s) that your company will provide. You might also focus on ways to protect the intellectual property and getting the business up and running. But one thing that many new business owners overlook is the importance of working with an experienced lawyer to handle any legal issues that may come up.

In the business world, it's not so much a question of if legal problems or concerns arise, but when they will do so. Some of the top issues that startup owners face include whether to incorporate, drafting partnership agreements, hiring employees, protecting the brand and intellectual property owned by the company, and understanding regulations and compliance requirements in the U.S.

Incorporating a business comes with a variety of options. You can register the company as a sole proprietorship, a limited liability corporation (LLC), or a corporation. Even knowing which option is best may feel overwhelming to first-time business owners. A startup attorney can help determine which business entity will best serve the needs and goals of the company.

If you have more than one founder or owner of the business, you will need to have a partnership agreement in place. Co-founders might think they will always agree on the vision of the company and how to proceed when making major business decisions, but the reality is that disagreements will come up. Having a legal contract that protects all owners is the best way to avoid legal disputes and other issues.

Hiring employees isn't quite as easy as it may sound either. Before posting an open position on a single job board, your business must obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. If your company hires someone who doesn't have legal authorization to work in the U.S., you could face immigration and deportation concerns, not to mention putting your company at legal risk. Applicants aren't always forthcoming with details about their abilities to work for your company, so having legal support for issues that come up is beneficial for startups.

How to Find the Best Startup Lawyer

Attorneys throughout the Phoenix area will claim that they are the best in the industry and can support your startup. But it's important to do your own research and make sure that you feel comfortable with the lawyer you plan to hire. An attorney will become a legal partner for your company, so you need to have an open line of communication to get the answers you need anytime something comes up.

The first step to finding the top startup lawyer is looking at reviews online of business lawyers practicing in Phoenix. Many attorneys offer detailed profiles about themselves and their practice focuses, helping you save time by not having to schedule a meeting with those that don't meet your needs.

After you've narrowed your list to a few of the leading attorneys in the area, schedule consultations to meet with each in person. Having a good connection with the potential lawyer is important, so trust your instincts and don't talk yourself into hiring someone who you don't really like.

Startup owners will need attorneys that do more than just fill out paperwork. When first starting out in the business world, new company owners often face questions and concerns that they don't know how to handle. When you hire the right attorney, he or she can guide you through these obstacles.

There aren't a lot of resources available to small business owners, so working with an attorney is the best way to get sound legal advice and help. Before signing an agreement with an attorney, make sure that he or she understands intellectual property protection, hiring, contracts, employment laws, and corporate laws.

Questions for a Startup Lawyer

• Do you have experience working with other startup companies in the same industry as mine?
• Will you be the attorney that we work with, or will someone else handle our tasks?
• What is your billing structure when working with companies? Hourly vs. flat-rate billing, retainer required, etc.?
• Do you offer any special pricing for startup companies?
• Do you focus your practice on businesses within certain industries?
  • If so, what are they?
• Do you consider yourself to be a good teacher, and are you willing to teach me and my partners about legal aspects so we can handle some of them ourselves?
• How do you approach solving legal problems?
• What is (are) your preferred method(s) of communication?
• How quickly can I expect a response back when I contact you?
• What makes you the best startup lawyer in Phoenix?

With the best legal partner, a startup owner (or owners) can handle any legal problems that may arise while focusing on getting the business off the ground.