Jacksonville Startup Attorneys & Lawyers

Why Hire a Startup Lawyer?

When you're starting a new business, there are so many things to know and understand that it can seem overwhelming. By hiring a good startup lawyer in the Jacksonville area, you ensure that you don't miss out on any of the important legal obligations required of a new business.

A startup lawyer can also assist with several other aspects of your business.

• Raising capital: Money is required at the start of any new business. Good startup lawyers may have contacts with venture capitalists or angel investors, or they may be able to assist with getting a business loan. They will also know all of the legal implications of obtaining capital and be able to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.

• Taxes: You want someone who understands both Florida state and federal tax laws for businesses. This ensures you pay everything that is required of you while making sure you also receive tax breaks where applicable.

• Hiring and firing employees: Employment laws are constantly changing, and having a legal representative on your side is invaluable. You want someone who can help write employment contracts as well as ensure you do not have any legal repercussions if you need to fire someone.

• Determining the rights of all company founders: If the business consists of more than one founder, contracts and agreements need to be made at the very beginning, before anything else can happen. A startup lawyer can be a neutral party that assists multiple owners in looking after the assets they put into the company in order to minimize future disputes.

• Getting patents and trademarks: It can be extremely valuable to have a lawyer assisting you when you file for patents or if you want to trademark your products or services.

• Contracts with customers and suppliers: Contracts can be confusing and difficult to understand. By having a startup lawyer assist with all of your contracts, you ensure that your best interests are looked after.

How to Find the Best Startup Lawyer in Jacksonville

Find the best startup attorney for your business can be a challenge. You want someone who knows the local Jacksonville economy and the legalities behind starting a business in Jacksonville, in Florida, and in the U.S.

That means you should start by asking local business owners in Jacksonville for recommendations. Speak to entrepreneurs in your industry and ask what they think about their lawyer. Would they recommend them? You don't want to ask businesses that might be direct competitors of yours, as that could be a conflict of interest.

If you aren't able to get recommendations from other businesses in Jacksonville, you can find local attorneys through the Florida Bar Association. If they don't come recommended to you, be sure to do plenty of research on whether or not they work with startups or companies in your niche.

Once you have a list of a few lawyers that seem reputable, you should speak to them either on the phone or in person. Send them an email or call their office to set up an interview. This is a great way to find out if they are easily contactable. You don't want to hire a lawyer who takes several days to get back to you.

Meet with several lawyers and explain exactly what you want and have them clearly explain the costs that you will incur from their services. Make sure there aren't any hidden fees or fee increases that will occur later. Startup lawyers should be slightly more price sensitive than other attorneys because they know startups don't have as much money when they are just beginning.

Questions for Startup Lawyers

When you speak to each of the attorneys, be sure to have plenty of questions prepared for them. No question is too insignificant. This is your business, and a lawyer is a big expense, so you want to make sure you get it right.

• Do you understand my business and industry?
• Do you have other clients in my industry? 
• Do you have experience working with startup companies that have the same needs that you have?
• Are there other startup lawyers in this firm?
• How many years have you been working with startups?
• How do your fees work?
• Will you be handling my case directly?
• How quickly can you respond to a legal crisis?
• Have you ever received any complaints against your firm?
• Can you introduce me to other business owners going through the same processes?
• How many cases are you currently working on?
• Can you give my case the necessary time and attention required?

Since a large proportion of new businesses fail within their first year, doing good research to hire the best startup attorney for your type of business in Jacksonville will greatly increase your chances of success.