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The Role Of A Lawyer To A Business

Seattle business owners will quickly discover that it is essential to have a dedicated business attorney for their company. Businesses encounter many different situations, starting with the initial creation of the business that would benefit from legal assistance. Having a business attorney as part of the business plan can help companies to avoid costly litigation and other legal pitfalls that are common in business.

Most business owners know that they will require an attorney if they are facing litigation. However, they do not realize that there are many different ways that an attorney can help with different areas of their business. This help can potentially keep them from facing litigation in various areas of law and business in the future.

Business Start-Up

Starting a business requires more than renting a space and putting up a sign. There are many things that you must do to legally operate a business in Seattle Washington. Having a Seattle business attorney work with you right from the start of opening your business can help you avoid many of the common mistakes associated with creating a business. A business lawyer can assist you with:

 

  • Establishing the type of business structure for your company that is most beneficial to the business type and the number of partners entering into the business.
  • Licensing and permits. Your company may require different types of licenses to operate in your chosen location. Your lawyer can ensure that you have all licensing and permits necessary to operate legally.
  • Employee contracts and policies. Every business should have an employee handbook stating the terms and policies of the company. Additionally, if you want to place your employees under contract, an attorney can draw up an employment contract that protects your business and is in compliance with employment laws.

Zoning Laws

The type of business you have may be regulated by local zoning laws. Some areas restrict certain kinds of businesses from operating within a zone. Other municipalities may require special permitting to operate in a zone. Your company may also be required to petition a city or town to change a zoning area so that you can use a property that you desire that is currently not zoned for your business use. Having an attorney manage zoning issues can lessen the troubles that your business faces when dealing with zoning laws.

Copyright, Trademarks, Patents, and Proprietary Information

Your brand, your logos, your designs, and your proprietary information is crucial to business success. Having an attorney handle filing all of the necessary paperwork to protect your brand and products gives your business protection from others who may wish to take advantage of your hard work. Your attorney can also pursue action against other companies or individuals who infringe on any of these business assets.

Contract Laws

Contracts with vendors, buyers, business partners, or other business-related services should be handled through an attorney. Whether you have the attorney create contracts on your behalf, or if you have them review contracts that are presented to you, it is important to have a legal opinion on the contract. Breach of contract is one of the leading causes of litigation in business. This can be avoided by only entering into a contract that you understand and is beneficial to your company.

What is a Summary Conviction Offence related to a contract, this typically refers to a criminal violation that involves a breach of contractual obligations or fraudulent activities. These offences are generally considered less severe than indictable offences related to contracts.

Consumer Protection Laws

When it comes to offering a product to the public, all businesses have an obligation to offer products that have been tested as safe and do not cause harm. Some products, depending on their construction, materials, or intended use, may also have state or federal regulations that must be met before they can be offered for sale. A business lawyer can make sure all of these needs have been met so that you are in compliance with consumer protection laws.

Environmental Laws

All companies have a responsibility to protect the environment in their business practices. However, there are some industries that are required to meet specific guidelines to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards to operate. Your attorney can make sure that all of your business is operating within EPA guidelines. Additionally, if the environmental laws are changed, your attorney can make sure that your company remains in compliance.

Outside Investments

Many businesses find themselves reaching a point where they need to raise additional capital for expansion. When this happens, there are several ways that capital can be raised. If your business is going to seek investments from a private investor or investment company, your attorney can make sure that the transaction is handled within the guidelines of the law.

The need for an attorney is especially important if the investment into the company is going to come as part of a merger or acquisition. Mergers and acquisitions have many legal hurdles that must be overcome to make the change in business structure compliant with all business and financial laws.

Changing Laws and Regulations

Laws and regulations are continually changing. Businesses must be in compliance with federal, state, and local laws to continue to operate. If your product or service is sold internationally, these laws must be addressed as well. A simple violation can cause a business to face financial and business problems that could have been easily avoided if they had the assistance of an attorney.

Going Public

If you find that your business has reached a point that you want to take it public and start offering stock, you will need the assistance of an attorney. Taking your business public is a very intensive project that requires constant legal supervision by all parties involved. Offering stock to the public must be done through the right channels and in compliance with many laws and regulations. Many different agencies will participate in this type of business situation, and having a lawyer represent the business’s best interests is crucial to success.

There are many other situations where a business lawyer will be helpful to your business. From simple projects like establishing an employee handbook to legally complicated intellectual property lawsuits, having an attorney that knows and understands your business is beneficial. If you are considering opening a business, or even if you have already established a thriving business, having a personal business attorney will be a benefit to you and your company.

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