A business attorney is a legal professional who deals with a variety of law-related matters in business. Lawyers are well-trained individuals who attend four years of undergraduate university study before applying to law school. There is stiff competition for admission to these prestigious graduate programs.
An applicant must be bright, reputable, and motivated. You must pass the entrance exams and interviews. Once admitted, you must study long hours and pass a series of difficult tests called the State Bar Exam.
These tests are divided into segments and are extremely challenging, to say the least. Some legal representatives become general counsel for a wide range of needs, while others specialize in specific concentrations such as family, divorce, criminal law, immigration, or personal injury. Business law practices handle a variety of legalities for small or large businesses. Some examples include:
– Compliance: To operate a business, there are regulations that a business owner or manager must adhere to. If there are charges of misconduct or the owner simply wants to get on track first, legal representation may be needed.
– Licenses and Permits: Business licenses are required for almost all locations. This is true whether the business is a child care center, a bakery, or a car wash. Zoning permits are required to open stores in certain storefronts or locations.
– Copyrights: Copyright laws protect inventors and others against copying or theft of their ideas. Copyright infringement is an illegal action. Both property and ideas may be protected by copyright.
– Taxes: Federal, state and local taxes need to be handled properly and this may require both an accountant
and a lawyer.
– Bankruptcy: The current economic climate has soured the finances of both individuals and companies. A personal bankruptcy will require a representative with knowledge and experience in the consumer arena. When a corporation or small business goes under, a business attorney will be necessary.
– Problems with employee relations: employees are necessary for the health of a company. There is a lot of legality that must be adhered to, including payroll, discrimination, workers’ compensation, and more.
– Immigration: Immigration laws and regulations are quite complex and change all the time. There is a lot of pressure on employers to properly document all workers so that all employees are legal citizens.
– Constitutions: The financial structure of a company can be an S corporation, exclusive property, among others. This is a multi-step legal process that must be followed to the letter.
– Purchase: When buying a franchise or existing business, a prospective owner needs an attorney on board to make sure all the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted.
– Contracts: Before signing the dotted line on any contract, it is advisable to have a smart professional look at all contractual agreements. Contracts are binding and it is best to have a lawyer review everything first.
There are several types of attorneys available to represent citizens. Business owners should speak with a business attorney if they have any questions regarding legality.