Orlando Startup Attorneys & Lawyers

Why Hire a Startup Lawyer?

For many startup business owners, the excitement of having a dream come true is the driving force behind starting a company. Whether you have a great idea for a new product or you're looking to improve an existing process or service, starting a company in Orlando, Florida, can benefit you and your business partners, any employees that you hire, and customers who appreciate your hard work and dedication. But starting a business comes with a number of challenges as well, many of which relate to business and employment laws.

The majority of startup owners don't have strong legal backgrounds, so answering tough legal questions and handling forms, filing deadlines, and other requirements come as a challenge. Missing a date or filling out a form incorrectly could result in delays, making it harder to get your business up and running.

It's also important to protect your intellectual property as soon as possible, since the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) officials will look at the filing date for any applications rather than who came up with the idea. It's very hard to prove that you had an idea first, especially if one of your competitors gets wind of the idea and files for patent or trademark protection before you get around to it.

If you're working in a sensitive industry, you may want to have any potential employees sign non-compete and confidentiality agreements to prevent leaks and stolen information. But drafting these contracts and making sure they accomplish what you need them to will require an experienced startup attorney who can review all documents and provide assistance.

You may also wonder if your business should incorporate, and if so, how to go about incorporating. There are multiple options when it comes to establishing a corporation in Orlando, and each has its own pros and cons. Working with an attorney who understands the differences and benefits of each type of corporation will help you avoid mistakes.

Some startup company owners think they only need to hire legal counsel when the company reaches a certain number of employees, but this isn't really the case. Even a small company with a few owners should have legal support and resources to aid in hiring, intellectual property protection, forming a corporation, and other important tasks.

How to Find the Best Startup Lawyer

The best startup lawyer in Orlando for your company will depend on the industry in which you operate. A great startup attorney with a lot of experience with tech companies may not be a great fit if you're focusing on product development and sales. Before you decide on an attorney to hire, make sure to ask questions and get a firm understanding of his or her practice focus. While some lawyers may understand business law, not all are currently focusing on it in their day-to-day tasks.

Business and employment laws change, so it's also good to find someone who keeps up with the latest updates and regulations. Some companies wait until they face a legal issue to bring on an attorney, but by this time, it may be too late. The purpose of hiring legal counsel for your startup is to avoid these types of problems, which can include invalid contracts, violations of Florida-mandated as well as federal employment laws, or forgetting to register as a business with the state.

When finding a top startup lawyer in the area, you should also talk about the estimated cost. While lawyers rarely give away their legal services for free, some do offer discounted rates to small businesses or new startups. Ask about flat-rate pricing for a package of services that you might need as you first start your company in Orlando. Each startup attorney that you meet with should be able to give you a rough estimate along with hourly rates (if applicable), helping you to get a better idea of what the legal support will cost your startup.

Questions for a Startup Lawyer

• What is your experience with startup companies?
• Do you feel that you have sufficient time and resources to take on a new startup company?
• What industries have you worked in when representing startups?
• What is the main focus of your practice?
• How well do you understand the business, employment, intellectual property, and tax laws in Orlando?
• Do you feel that you understand the industry of my startup?
• Will you, or another attorney in the practice, be assigned to my startup?
• What is your preferred communication method?
• What is your billing structure for startup clients?
• Do you have experience working with startup companies and investors?

As you make business decisions and move forward with your startup company, now is the time to look for and bring on an experienced attorney who can provide the legal support you need.