What to Look for When Hiring a Business Attorney

Hiring a business attorney can be an intimidating process. As a successful small business owner or someone who is just getting started, you know what you do well; it’s why you went into business for yourself. But business law can feel like a strange new world, and it can be tough to navigate it without a guide.



Here at Morgan Leeton, PC, we understand that the beginning stages of this journey can cause anxiety. That is why we’ve put together this simple list of things to consider before you hire a business attorney. Whether you are looking for someone to help you with banking and financial law, royalties, mineral rights, starting a new business, or another issue, we hope this will get you started.

1. What is your purpose for seeking a business attorney?      Before you start to search for an attorney, you need to determine just what it is you are trying to do. Looking for an attorney to help you with the legal paperwork involved in starting a business is different from looking for an attorney to help you with litigation or navigating a specialized problem. The clearer you are about what you’re looking for, the more likely you’ll be able to find an attorney who meets your needs.
2. What sort of communication style do you prefer?     Successfully representing a client is all about communication. Your attorney should be able to clearly lay out your rights and obligations and help you understand the issues involved in your case. More importantly, your attorney’s communication style should also align with yours. Ask yourself whether you want regular updates about how your case is progressing or if you prefer to only be alerted if there’s a new development. Then ask the attorneys you’re considering working with how they prefer to communicate and if your preferences will work with theirs.
3. How does the attorney bill?     There is a lot of variation in how attorneys bill for their services. Some will charge flat fees for certain services; others charge by the hour for everything. Calculating how much time an attorney spent on a task is also complicated, as different attorneys and jurisdictions use different increments of time for billing purposes. There are also additional expenses for communication time, research, and more. Before you decide to work with an attorney, make sure you fully understand how you will be billed, so you aren’t surprised when the bill does come due.

We hope this short guide was helpful to you. Remember, if you are looking for a business or financial lawyer in the greater Permian Basin or Delaware Basin area, you can always turn to Morgan Leeton, PC. We are based in Midland, TX and regularly serve clients from Odessa, TX and many of the surrounding towns. With our experience in matters ranging from banking and financial law to water rights, real estate, oil and gas law, and more, we may be just the firm you need. Call us today to learn more about our services and how we may be able to assist you.