In the world of business law, knowing when legal help is prudent or necessary is a common inquiry. Whether working in a large corporation, as a small business owner, launching a start-up, or in the role of entrepreneur, obtaining timely legal support on important business matters is critical. While qualified legal help is necessary in many situations, however, there are tasks that may be completed without the assistance of an attorney.
One example is found at the beginning of starting a business. A lawyer is not typically necessary when obtaining a business license for a sole proprietorship or registering a business trade name. This early step in forming a business usually is handled at the local level. For example, businesses and individuals located within unincorporated Fulton County wishing to acquire a business license may do so through the business license office. However, if they or their business are within the city limits of one of a municipality such as Roswell, Alpharetta, or Sandy Springs, then the business license or trade name must be obtained through the municipality.
While registering obtaining an initial business license may be done without a lawyer, there are many other situations in which obtaining confident and experienced legal support is recommended and necessary. Some of these instances include:
- In hiring employees, making sure that employment policies are lawful and properly documented and employee contracts are accurate, viable legal documents that spell out the terms of employment, grounds for termination, and protect the business’ trade secrets, customer lists, and other confidential information
- Legally establishing a partnership, corporation, or LLC with all necessary organizational documents and agreements in place that set out the parties’ rights and obligations, including in the event of a major business disagreement or dissolution
- Avoiding liability and assessing business risks for various issues including contract disputes, intellectual property claims, or business torts in instances such as a trade name likeness, slander, or violation of trade secrets
- Any other situation in which business counsel or representation may be needed
In the event that you or your business are in need of legal support you can count on, contact Brownstein & Nguyen. Our experience speaks for itself when it comes to offering sound legal advice and representation to allow your business to grow and avoid or mitigate legal problems. When a dispute does arise, we bring decades of experience, practical wisdom, and expertise to the table in making sure your interests are fully represented.
