Tampa Startup Attorneys & Lawyers

Why Hire a Startup Lawyer?

Just about every company will need to consult with a lawyer at some point, and this is especially true for new startup companies. If you're starting a new business in Tampa, Florida, you may wonder if hiring a startup lawyer is really necessary. It will certainly come at a cost, but in most cases, it's well worth working the expense into the budget. Having a legal partner who can help you address legal concerns and issues as they come up is invaluable to new business owners, especially those who are entering the startup world for the first time.

Before you can start operating under your business name, you'll need to register it with the state of Florida. This requires filling out and filing a form and paying a fee to the Department of Revenue. You may also need to fill out a separate form to obtain a business license from the County Tax Collector. The next step is obtaining an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS, which allows a startup to begin hiring and paying employees. Each of these tasks requires several steps, and the forms can be confusing and overwhelming to fill out, but an attorney that represents your startup can help you through them.

Hiring legal counsel for your business is important, regardless of the size or number of employees. Bringing on employees also requires that you follow federal and state regulations, such as confirming that all potential hires are legally authorized to work in the United States as well as making sure that none of your new employees are violating non-compete contracts with previous employers.

When you work with a knowledgeable lawyer who has experience with startups, he or she can help guide you through these new and unfamiliar requirements. Some business owners believe that the cost of legal support is too expensive, but the actual amount may come as a pleasant surprise. Lawyers may offer discounted or flat-rate pricing to startup companies, helping them get their businesses up and running without worrying about legal issues that could shut them down.

How to Find the Best Startup Lawyer

When seeking the best startup lawyer in Tampa, you'll need to focus on those that practice business law. But beyond that, it's important to discuss specifics with your potential lawyer. If he or she specializes in support for bigger companies, that attorney may not be a great fit. The needs of startup business owners are very different from those of larger organizations, so finding an attorney who understands those unique needs is necessary.

As you begin your search for the top lawyer for your company, ask around among other small business owners that you know of in the area. You can also perform an online search to find local attorneys that can provide support and resources. One benefit of searching online is that you can often read reviews from past clients. Honest, unbiased reviews are some of the best options to get an idea of the lawyer's strengths and abilities.

A leading startup lawyer should have at least a few years of experience working with small companies. His or her practice should focus on the laws governing corporations and securities, employment, intellectual property, and taxes. These are the main issues that will come up for new business owners.

If you're launching a new product or invention, you'll need to file for patent protection to restrict others from copying your idea. But the process of filing for a patent is difficult and time-consuming. You'll have to fill out forms, supply detailed drawings and samples of the invention, and pay any associated fees. If someone else already owns a patent on a similar product, the time spent applying will be a waste. A lawyer who understands intellectual property and patent laws can search for existing and pending patents, saving you time and money.

Deciding whether to incorporate is another challenging task for first-time startup owners. There are several options when it comes to incorporating your business, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks. These are just a few of the complex aspects of starting a company, so relying on someone who understands the legal process is a smart choice.

Questions for a Startup Lawyer

• Have you worked with other startup companies in a similar industry?
• How do you bill for your legal services? Hourly vs. flat-rate billing, require a retainer, etc.?
• Will our company work with you or another attorney in your firm?
• Do you offer any special pricing for startup companies?
• What is (are) your preferred method(s) of communication?
• How quickly can I expect a response when I call or email you?
• What makes you the best startup lawyer in Tampa?

After you hire your startup lawyer in Tampa, you can move forward with running and operating your business, instead of worrying about legal issues and concerns.