Raleigh Startup Attorneys & Lawyers

Why Hire a Startup Lawyer?

As you take the necessary steps to start a business in Raleigh, North Carolina, you may find that the legal requirements and questions are confusing. Even something that seems simple, like filling out and filing a business registration form with the state of North Carolina, can quickly become overwhelming. Other confusing aspects of beginning a startup include deciding whether to incorporate, how to incorporate, how to draft contracts between customers and partners, and how to begin seeking investments for the company.

When you start a business, you'll have to register with the state. But before you can do that, you have to decide on a business name and make sure it's not already in use by another registered business entity. Searching online databases for other businesses is a good place to start but having a startup lawyer on your side can make it a lot easier by helping you avoid delays and rejections. An experienced attorney will have access to more resources to perform a thorough search and make sure that you can register under the name you have chosen.

Where you will register your business depends on what type of business you are operating. For general partnerships and sole proprietorships, startup owners will file through the county in which they operate. Any type of LLC, nonprofit corporation, professional corporation, or partnership requires filing with the North Carolina Secretary of State. A knowledgeable startup lawyer can help you decide which type of business is the best option for your startup, and then assist you in completing and filing the forms.

If you have a product or idea that you plan to sell as part of your business, you may need to secure patent protection. With three different types of patents available, and a lengthy application and approval process, working with a lawyer who understands patents is the smart way to go. You can also talk to your startup lawyer about trademark and/or copyright concerns for logos, phrases, and even the name of your business.

With so many different legal aspects that affect even starting a new business, it's clear why having a reliable source of legal information is so important for new company owners.

How to Find the Best Startup Lawyer

As you drive down the highway or watch local TV in the Raleigh area, you'll probably see a handful of ads for local lawyers promising that they're the best in the industry. Finding the best lawyer for your company will involve a little bit more than picking the first lawyer whose ad you see, though. Instead, do some research about lawyers who have experience in your industry. Don't choose an attorney who specializes in technology startups if your company will offer something completely different.

Experience is important when choosing the top startup attorney. New companies often have very different needs than businesses that have been operating for years. You might need help knowing how to proceed before posting your first open position to hire an employee. Another common issue that comes up for new business owners is drafting agreements between partners or investors.

When choosing the best startup lawyer, it's important to make sure that the one you choose is responsive and easy to reach. If something urgent comes up, you don't want to wait days to hear back from your lawyer. You could end up filing a form incorrectly or facing a more serious legal situation.

Ask as many questions as you have during the initial consultation since this is the best time to get a feel for the attorney's experience with and understanding of the industry in which your startup operates. Talking to the attorney will help in deciding whether his or her personality meshes well with yours and any of your partners' personalities.

A startup owner works closely with the startup attorney that he or she chose on several important tasks, so you should feel comfortable talking to the lawyer on a personal level. The top lawyer for your startup may be different from the best lawyer for another startup owner. Trust your instincts and make a point to talk to several lawyers to make the best choice.

Questions for a Startup Lawyer

• Do you have a lot of experience with business, employment, tax, and contract laws?
• What previous experience do you have working with startups?
• If I hire you, will you be the lawyer that I work with, or will it be someone else in your firm?
• How long have you been practicing law in North Carolina?
• How does your law firm charge for legal services? Are discounts available to new business owners?
• Do you understand the industry that my startup is in?
• What is your preferred method for communication? Email, phone, other?

Hiring an experienced startup attorney can make a big difference for your Raleigh startup to avoid legal issues.