The modern, local scope of entrepreneurship is complicated, to say the least. And while there is certainly a lot of ground to cover when beginning a business venture, an established enterprise still needs to do its due diligence to operate both optimally and legally, to say nothing of remaining a good corporate neighbor in good standing.
Perhaps most vital among all of the other pertinent considerations that go into running a business is that compatible representation is consulted. Legal matters can arise unexpectedly, and even without logical justification: Anyone can file a claim, and just fighting it in court may take time, money and even an emotional toll.
South Jersey Biz spoke to Susan Hodges, Esq., shareholder and chair of labor and employment at Parker McCay, to gain insight into the aspects of hiring a commercial attorney.
How do the best attorneys ensure ongoing business success?
One of the most important things is to have good communication. Your attorney should be responsive—simple things like calling you back and returning your emails. Obviously they should be able to provide you [with] strategic advice that is aligned with your business goals—and that doesn’t mean telling you what you want to hear, but telling you how the law may impact your business. That could mean that they advise you that you can’t do something you actually want to do. I also think it is important for an attorney to understand your business. That helps them make better informed opinions to help you minimize any legal issues that may arise.
Have you noticed any local or national trends that affect how business is conducted?
Since the pandemic, it has become standard for meetings and conferences to be done virtually. Your attorney should have the necessary technology and ability to work with and for you whatever way is best for you. You are hiring the attorney/firm and they should be responsive to your needs. If you want to meet in person, they should be willing to do so. If they want to meet remotely, again, your attorney should accommodate that.
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Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 14, Issue 11 (November 2024).
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