Small Business

by Ian M. Berkowitz

The past few months, I have had the distinct pleasure of spending an abnormally long time "counseling" clients. Attorneys spend most of our lives problem solving, fighting battles or protecting our clients to the best of our ability. 

Sometimes attorneys are the defenders of justice, saviors of the less fortunate and often hired guns. Even though these tasks, duties and responsibilities are our focus when we advocate for our clients, for me personally, as a business attorney, I find myself being a good counselor, listener or just a sounding board for my clients when things are going good -- but more often when they are going bad.

This heavy week of listening has inspired me to write about those things that you should look for in an attorney to make sure that he or she is right for you.

Quite often an attorney is called when there is a problem to remedy or an issue to resolve. Locating and hiring an attorney who has the substantive knowledge in the area of law that you need is one of the most important aspects of hiring the right attorney. Back in the day when my dad practiced law there were many generalists, similar to the family physician. Most often they were great for overall questions and could handle most matters as long as they were not too complex. However, they may not have been well suited to answer specific in-depth questions on complex matters.

My areas of expertise are business law and real estate. I focus on starting, growing, expanding, financing, operating, managing, buying, selling and protecting businesses and their owners.

Within those topics are many sub topics, but my clients know to call me if they have a question that impacts their business in any way.

Background Important

It is extremely important to make sure that you are dealing with an attorney with the background on those substantive issues that are of great concern to you. Don’t forget to check out previous experience and types of clients that they represent. If they seem like a match you are halfway there.

Once you find the attorney with the right experience, it is equally important to connect with someone who you feel comfortable with on a personal level. Personally, I believe that this is the most important part of the process. Your Attorney is one of those people in your inner circle who you need the trust the most.

In domestic or criminal matters it is even more important to be open and frank with each and every request and question that your attorney is asking. Rely on your instincts and thoroughly ask around to find out if this attorney is trustworthy, ethical and has a good reputation.

The final thing I believe must be done when finding the right attorney is to make sure you clearly communicate about your goals, needs and desires. Sometimes attorneys may not achieve the result that their client is looking for and most often that is because the client did not specifically express the bottom line.

Always ask what is going on and how your case is likely to proceed. Keep tabs on the progress and make sure you understand the steps. You are there to get a result so make sure that you are aware of the process and what to expect so you are not surprised.