Small Business Toolbox

A library of business management info


Hiring an Attorney
  • Advice on Finding Good Counsel
    06/12/2006
    Some type of law controls nearly every aspect of your small business. You must pay taxes because the Internal Revenue Code says you should, employees must earn a decent wage because Fair Labor laws demand it, and discrimination is unlawful since the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's rules outlaw it.
  • Human Rights Complaints: When to Go It Alone, When to Call Your Attorney
    03/02/2006
    Few managers who have ever been involved in a human rights complaint are happy to see one arrive. An external agency determines the timing of a complaint and the time frame for the company’s initial response. Thus, a human rights complaint is always an intrusion on management’s routine, so there’s no “good” time to deal with a complaint.
  • Reduce Your Legal Costs
    05/06/2005
    So you find yourself ready conduct a trademark search or draw up a complex sales contract, but not so ready to deal with the legal fees? Fortunately, there are ways to keep legal expenses in line without sacrificing the quality of the legal counsel you receive.
  • Prepaid Legal Plans for Small Businesses
    02/24/2005
    Prepaid legal plans can help manage legal costs by enabling you to access legal assistance through an annual fee, rather than paying on an incident-by-incident basis. Fees are paid annually or monthly, and can run from about $30 a month up to considerably more. Prices vary with the number of free services or discount services provided.
  • Hiring a Lawyer: Remember to Do Your Homework
    02/18/2005
    Although no one likes to think about it, in the course of your business, there probably will come a time when you will need the assistance of a lawyer. Whether it is for a complex contract or a real estate deal, hiring a lawyer can be a complicated process that leads to many questions.
  • Retaining Counsel: What to Look For When Choosing Your Attorney
    01/14/2005
    When selecting an attorney, you should consider two separate aspects: knowledge in the field and how you will be treated as a client.
  • Hiring: When It Makes Sense to Use a Professional
    09/07/2004
    While you may be able to handle most of the issues that will arise as you start a small business, you will want professional assistance for more complex issues, particularly legal and accounting issues.
  • How to Find the Business Attorney Who's Right for Your Company
    09/03/2004
    The legal field can be highly complex and varied, and not all attorneys are experienced in the myriad of issues affecting small businesses. When selecting an attorney to handle your company's legal affairs, don't just call the first attorney you come across in the phone book.
  • Beware of Contracts Calling for Binding Arbitration
    07/30/2004
    Recently, two business partners refurbished a small office building they purchased in northwest Florida. They bid the job in sections: hardwood flooring, electrical,plumbing, etc.
  • Tips for Reducing Your Legal Fees
    12/19/2003
    Working with an attorney does cost money, but there are ways to reduce legal expenses, without sacrificing the quality of service received.
  • Helpful Tips for Hiring a Lawyer
    06/25/2003
    The NFIB Small Business Legal Center and Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse created this pamphlet, which provides small business owners practical advice on hiring an attorney and controlling legal costs.
  • Hiring a Good Lawyer
    12/10/2002
    If you are thinking about hiring an attorney, you need to find a good business lawyer who understands the problems, challenges and opportunities facing small businesses.
  • Five Times When Small Businesses Need To Consult With an Attorney
    05/08/2002
    Working with attorneys can be time-consuming and expensive, but there are specific times when every small business owner should strongly consider consulting with experienced legal counsel.