Fresno Startup Attorneys & Lawyers

Why Hire a Startup Lawyer?

When starting a new business in Fresno, California, your main focus is probably on the service or product that you will provide, as well as how you plan to grow your business. Worrying about legal concerns and the risks that come along with those concerns shouldn't be part of your daily routine. Hiring an experienced startup lawyer in Fresno can help reduce stress since you'll be able to hand these important legal tasks over to the attorney.

A few of the most common legal issues that startup owners face include whether or not to incorporate the business, the process of hiring employees, how to incorporate, how to draft contracts or partnership agreements with customers/sellers, and how to protect any intellectual property owned by your company. Compliance and regulation requirements in the U.S. and in California are very stringent, so you have to make sure that every step you take in operating your startup is in accordance with laws and regulations.

When more than one person is involved in the startup ownership, you'll need to establish an agreement to keep all founders or owners on the same page. When things are going smoothly, it's easy to think that you won't encounter problems or disagreements. But having legal documentation in place for how to handle issues will protect you and any other owners, helping to prevent ugly legal disputes down the road.

If you decide that you want to incorporate, there are several options from which to choose. These include sole proprietorship, corporation, or limited liability corporation (LLC). A knowledgeable startup lawyer will help you decide which business entity is the best option for your startup.

Hiring employees also poses a challenge since new business owners may not realize the requirements in Fresno. You'll have to make sure that all potential hires are legally authorized to work in the U.S. and are not in violation of non-compete agreements with other companies. If you unknowingly hire an illegal employee, you could put your startup at risk for legal action as well as potentially get the individual deported. Hiring a legal representative is the easiest way to avoid these issues that could negatively affect your business.

How to Find the Best Startup Lawyer

Many attorneys in Fresno will tell you that they're the best lawyer to represent your startup. But the attorney you choose will become your legal representative in a variety of issues such as hiring employees, drafting agreements, negotiating tax laws, and filing applications for trademarks or patents. You have to feel comfortable with the lawyer and his or her style of law, or you may not want to involve him or her in your important decisions.

When you're searching for a top startup lawyer, start by reading online reviews of business lawyers who practice in Fresno. You may find attorneys' online profiles designed to help potential clients learn more about their practice focuses without wasting time or money. Make sure to look at specific areas in which the lawyer specializes since these will affect your startup.

After you choose a few top attorneys in the area, schedule consultations to get to know each one better. You should feel comfortable with the personality and practice style of the lawyer you choose. Don't feel pressured to hire a lawyer simply on the promise that he or she is the best fit for your company. Trust your instincts and select the one that best understands your company needs and industry.

Lawyers who have worked with startup companies before will have a better understanding of what steps are necessary to get started in Fresno. You may have to file an application in Fresno County as well as with the state of California to register your business. When you sell products and collect sales tax, you must file an application with the Department of Revenue.

These are just a few of the steps necessary when starting a business in the area, so it's clear why so many companies rely on the services of experienced lawyers. Trying to navigate the business maze on your own is not easy, and adding that to the stress of getting your company running can quickly become overwhelming.

Questions for a Startup Lawyer

• How much experience do you have with other startups?
• Do you feel comfortable with my company's industry?
• How do you bill for your legal services? Do you offer any type of discounted or flat-rate pricing for new companies?
• Will I work with you for concerns and legal tasks or someone else in your law firm?
• What is your practice's main focus?
• How do you prefer to communicate?
• How quickly can I expect a response back when I contact you?
• What makes you the best startup lawyer in Fresno?

With the support of the right lawyer, a startup owner can tackle any legal problems that may come up while having time to focus on the success of the business.