There are some specific concentrations that you will need in an attorney for your business. Sometimes, one person may have many of these different specialties, which is the ideal situation.
One of the most fundamental things your business needs in a commercial lawyer is someone who is good with contracts. You will be entering into many different contracts with many different people, and complications with those contracts can quickly end in a lawsuit. An attorney with contract knowledge can help you avoid that. You will also need someone who knows about business organization. You will be deciding what kind of ownership and setup to create for your business and an attorney can be a vital advisor and guide in this process.
Business attorneys can help you deal with an important, but often overlooked, aspect of your business: your commercial space. Usually, commercial leases favor the landlord. An attorney can help advocate for you and your needs for your space so you aren’t in a bad-faith lease.
Sorting out taxes and licenses is a vital part of starting and maintaining a business. Your accountant may prepare and file each year, but an attorney can deal with federal and state tax identification numbers and will have a deeper knowledge of how to avoid legal issues that could arise from taxes.
A lawyer with a specialty in intellectual property is especially important if you have a business in media, design, or other creative professions, however, any field could benefit from the insight of a specialist in intellectual property law.