Referrals, Visits Crucial When Hiring a Lawyer

Q: Where can a small-business owner obtain legal counsel regarding business contracts at economical costs?

--Carl Blank, Lomita

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A: There are a couple of things that I would recommend in this day and age, when consumers need to take back some of the power they have lost in this arena. The first is that you should obtain references for at least three attorneys who have experience and savvy specifically in the arena of small business. Second, do not be afraid to call and ask them what it will cost to obtain their counsel. Most attorneys charge an hourly rate, but some may quote you a flat fee for reviewing a contract or giving you advice on a business matter.

Many attorneys may be shy about quoting you a fee without knowing exactly what the job is and how much time it will involve. But they may offer you a free first-time consultation so they can assess your situation and come up with a quote.

Going in to meet with them will take some time, but it will be worth it if you can find an attorney who is willing to work with you and get to know your business, visit your location and help you anticipate many of the preventive legal steps you will need to take to be successful.

As a consumer, you should be aware that your business may provide a wealth of future work for the attorney whom you choose to become associated with. Do not forget to use that fact to your advantage as you negotiate with him or her.

Local bar associations have excellent referral panels and are a good source for getting names that you can check out further. Professional networking groups, such as Kiwanis, and chambers of commerce are also good places to find word-of-mouth referrals from other business owners in your area.

--Harold Stokes, attorney specializing in business and corporate law, Irvine

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If you have a question about how to start or operate a small business, please mail it to Karen E. Klein in care of the Business section, Los Angeles Times, 1333 S. Mayflower Ave., Suite 100, Monrovia, CA 91016, or e-mail it to kklein6349@aol.com. Include your name, address and telephone number. The column is designed to answer questions of general interest. It should not be construed as legal advice.