An attorney may, for example, bring together one client who owns a large piece of undeveloped land and another who is a builder or developer. Advise on personal matters Often, personal tax, estate, and family issues are closely related to and affected by business issues. Many people are sole proprietors whose personal and professional finances and interests are tied together, says Carol Cooper, publisher of Martindale-Hubbell , a leading directory of law firm and lawyer information. There might be estate planning issues involved as well as business issues. There are times when money is well spent by taking a holistic view of the situation.
Lawyers do specialize, so matching the client's needs with the lawyer's qualifications is important.
Since an attorney-client relationship is based on trust, the business owner should feel comfortable with his or her attorney. Problems arise and if your attorney knows you, he can calm the situation and advise you in a way that's going to fit your personality. A sole proprietor probably does not need to hire the largest, most prestigious law firm in the state to handle collection work. In fact, this could even be counterproductive. If the attorney is hesitant to allow him to contact people he's represented in the past, the warning bells should go off.