Choose a legal adviser that understands your business
When selecting a new legal adviser, consider how interested they are in the businesses and whether they understand the issues that your business faces. For example, a bio-tech business will need to ensure that their adviser is familiar with regulatory and intellectual property law relating to their sector.
Do they ask about your personal and business objectives? This is particularly important if you are thinking of an exit strategy in the future.
Include your lawyer as part of your strategic business team
Whilst lawyers can advise you on your regulatory obligations and compliance, a good commercial lawyer will advise you on the commercial implications of strategic decisions. Keep your lawyer in the loop. Keep them apprised of your business strategies so they can identify legal risks at an early stage of your strategy and give you proactive solutions.
A lawyer who understands your business can provide you with innovative business structures that help your business grow and protect your market position, as well as identifying risks.
Provide a clear brief and feedback
Provide clear instructions, agree budgets and provide any information promptly. Consistent communications are vital especially where there are critical deadlines. Provide feedback to your lawyer, especially if you feel that you are not getting the level of service that you require.
Invest in proper legal documentation processes
A successful business will have efficient systems for purchasing, quality control, accounts, and HR. Yet few businesses have efficient legal systems and this often causes problems as a deadline for contract renewal can be missed or it can cause unnecessary delays when preparing a business for sale. Without proper documentation, evidence can be difficult to find when disputes arise and oral evidence is only allowed in limited circumstances so the written word remains paramount.