Choosing a business law firm in NJ to represent you is an important step you as a business owner should take seriously.
There are many factors to consider before choosing a provider of legal services so you get somebody who best fits your businesses needs while still being affordable.
The person or firm you choose extends your business, and you should treat the process of choosing a provider as if you were hiring a new employee.
Here are a few important points to consider:
1. Think About What You Need
The first step is to define what type of legal services you need. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Why do you need an attorney? Are you trying to fundraise for your business? Did you have former employee or client suing you?
- Do you need real estate, medical malpractice, personal injury or another form of legal representation?
- Does your business law provider need to be near your physical location?
- How much are you willing to spend for lawyer services?
2. Do Your Research Online and Read Reviews
Once you have the legal services you need down pat, then it’s time to start your internet research.
You can start with a general search such as “Business Law Firm NJ” and see what results appear. Then to take it a step further, search the specific service you’re looking for, and consider adding in the city you operate out of finding the most accurate local legal service providers.
Build out a list of the ones you think are the best fit, and comb through their websites and even social profiles. Read reviews and look into who is writing these online reviews. Often, many positive ones are written by employees or marketing companies, so take them with a grain of salt. We also suggest checking out the negative reviews and seeing how the firm handles unhappy clients.
3. Ask Your Friends for Referrals
Word of mouth is a powerful tool, particurlar in today’s day and age of fake news and falsified online reviews as mentioned above.
Surely you’ve got friends who are business owners themselves, or maybe they even own a New Jersey business law firm of their own.
Tap into your network and see who some of your friends and business partners have used in the past, and if they have somebody they feel comfortable referring you to.
4. Meet with Multiple Providers
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You shouldn’t fall in love with the first and only business law firm in NJ that you talk to.
Do your due diligence and speak with multiple law firms and attorneys. That way you can weigh the pro’s and con’s of each and make more of an unbiased decision.
5. Determine if You Want a Large or Small Firm
The size of the business law firm you choose in New Jersey can impact the representation you get.
If you choose one that is too large, you might not get enough close attention to make you feel comfortable. On the flip side, if they’re too small, they may not have the tools and experience to represent you successfully.
There are large firms that can give you close attention, and small firms that can handle large cases, but size is still an important factor to consider.
6. Don’t be Afraid to Ask the Nitty-Gritty Questions
You’ve got a lot on the line with the legal choice you’re preparing to make, so don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions.
Did you see a scathing Google review they received about a similar case? Ask them about it.
Don’t be afraid to ask about their experience or expertise. You may feel you are prying, but you’re getting ready to make a big decision. No stones should be left unturned, and if they want your business, they will understand.
7. Ask About Their Previous Clientele
Has the law firm worked with a business similar to yours before? How did that business fare with their representation?
You can even ask for names of clients of theirs that you can reach out to and get their opinion of their services from.
They likely will not give you the name of a client who will not speak highly of them, but it’s just another box you can check off on your list as you get closer to a decision.
8. Consider Costs and Expenses
No matter how big of a case you’re facing or who you want to represent you, sometimes it comes down to how much you’re willing and able to spend.
Before the end of each meeting, get a quote from the business law firm, and ask about their payment structure.
Some might require portions of the payment up front, and others will allow payment plans. Others may put in place contingencies based on the successful or unsuccessful representation of your legal case.
It’s important to ask these questions so you know where you stand financially before, during and after your legal case.
9. Make a Decision
Now you’ve done your research and asked all the important questions to consider. It’s time to make an unbiased and informed decision.
Think about what you’ve seen, what you’ve read and heard. Decide who would be the best fit for your business’s legal needs based on their online presence, referrals, expertise, experience and cost.
Certain factors may be more or less important for your business and that’s ok – that’s why we suggest going through these each of these steps, as every business’s needs are different.
Once you decide on a legal representative, you’re one step closer to getting your legal woes behind you and moving forward with your business.
Are you ready to speak with Donnelly & Warner Attorneys at Law about your business law firm needs in NJ? Contact us today to speak with one of our professionals.