Should I Hire a Small Business Lawyer in North Dakota?

Open Sign on Door of Small Business - Fremstad Law

If you’re starting a new business venture, or even if your small business has been operating for years, you’re undoubtedly looking for ways to save money.

Many entrepreneurs skimp on hiring a lawyer for a small business in North Dakota, thinking they can do it themselves, or because they simply don’t want to spend the money.

Many business owners are worried about the perceived high cost of hiring a small business lawyer, and only hire a lawyer when they’re confronted with a serious legal issue, like when they’ve been sued by a customer.

While the impact of not hiring a lawyer for a small business may not be readily apparent, hiring a small business lawyer sooner rather than later will save you money in the long run.

A good small business attorney can provide assistance in almost every aspect of your business, from formal incorporation or formation, to contract review and employee issues and, of course, representing you in court.

If you’ve been sued, it’s already too late. Once you’ve been sued, it’s simply a question of how much money you’ll end up paying, and to whom.

A good small business lawyer can help you avoid the lawsuit and, even if there is trouble, can help to minimize the impact. The cost to keep you out of trouble is almost always less than the cost to fix the problem once it’s happened. That is why the small business attorneys at Fremstad Law encourage clients to be proactive, rather than reactive.

Choosing a Lawyer for Your Small Business

One of the first questions you’ll need to answer when choosing a lawyer for your small business is whether you want a big firm or a small firm.

Generally speaking, the larger the firm, the higher the overhead, and the higher the fees.

Also, at a large business law firm, your initial meeting might be with a senior partner, but you’re likely to be passed off to a junior associate.

At a smaller law firm, like Fremstad Law, we pride ourselves on offering our clients personal attention. You’ll have a personal connection with and access to a lawyer who knows your business almost as well as you do.

What Can a Small Business Lawyer Do for Me?

As a small business owner, you’ll need a lawyer who can advise you on:

  • Contracts. You need a small business lawyer who understands your business and can prepare the contracts you’ll need to work with customers, clients, and suppliers, and to help you review and respond to contracts other people will want you to sign.
  • Real Estate. Leasing commercial space like offices and retail storefronts can be complicated, and the leases are almost always drafted to benefit the landlord. Many business owners mistakenly believe these leases are non-negotiable. But an experienced small business lawyer can pay dividends by changing the terms of the leases to benefit you. These can even be added to a “standard” form lease from the landlord.
  • Business Organizations and Corporate Law. You need a small business attorney who can help you decide on the best corporate structure. For example, what are the advantages to an LLC (Limited Liability Company) versus a Corporation or a partnership? Which choice of entity is best for you, your business, and your objectives?
  • Collections. If you have customers who have failed to pay for your goods or services, a small business lawyer can be a valuable tool in helping to collect or recoup such unpaid fees.
  • Human Resources and Labor Issues. If you hire people to work for you, or if you plan to grow your business so that people will be working for you someday, you need a small business lawyer who can advise you on what to do if you have a disruptive employee, or someone working for you who just isn’t working out that you need to terminate. Doing it correct from the start can save you the headache of having to defend yourself and your business in a lawsuit for wrongful termination.

Whether you work with employees or decide to hire independent contractors, you need a lawyer to prepare the agreement. It’s also wise to consult with a small business lawyer before you hire or fire employees so that you don’t put yourself at risk for a discrimination lawsuit.

You won’t need a lawyer for each and every issue that comes up in running your business. But when you do, it’s good to know where to find the right lawyer. And - more importantly - you might not know you need a small business lawyer until it’s too late.

Find a Lawyer You Can Trust

It’s important to find a small business lawyer that has the right ‘fit’ for you and your small business. Look for a lawyer who you trust, get along with, enjoy working with, and who has experience with the legal issues you and your small business will be facing.

Of course, you also need a small business lawyer who is responsive, competent, and experienced.

Remember, the real value in hiring a lawyer isn’t just in preparing documents. Rather, the benefit of hiring an experienced small business lawyer lies in helping you figure out and meet the goals and objectives you have set for your small business.

Fremstad Law – Moving Your Small Business Forward

If you’re looking for a small business lawyer in North Dakota to help move you forward to meet your business goals, contact Fremstad Law today. Call us at (701) 478-7620 or complete our online form.