6 Reasons to Keep a Business Attorney on Retainer
When you think about hiring a lawyer for your business, you may think that you’re only going to start searching when a problem arises. While you could certainly do that, there are other ways that are more proactive. One of these is keeping a business attorney on retainer. When you do this, you essentially have a business attorney at your fingertips should a question or problem arise.
If you’re thinking of keeping a Bay Area business attorney on retainer, you can count on the Winghart Law Group to take care of all your needs. We practice business law and are here to answer questions and represent you when you need it the most. Let’s explore why many companies keep a business attorney on retainer and why you may want to as well.
What Does it Mean to Have an Attorney on Retainer?
When you have an attorney on retainer, it means you have paid an upfront fee for their services for future legal work. You are not waiting and calling them until you need them for a specific issue. The money you pay as a retainer is held in an account and is used to pay for legal services as you need them.
Why You Should Keep a Business Attorney on Retainer
There are several reasons why you may want to consider putting an attorney on retainer.
1. Smooth Business Operations
When you have an attorney on retainer, you can ensure smoother business operations. Your attorney can protect your business and help you avoid legal troubles such as lawsuits. Legal problems can hit a business at any time. Being as prepared as possible with a lawyer at hand can help prevent small problems from becoming larger ones.
2. Help with Paperwork
Many business owners rely on contracts. When you have a business attorney on your side, they can draft contracts that cover issues that may lead to liability and lawsuits. If you try to do this on your own, you may make mistakes that could cost your business thousands of dollars. A qualified business attorney will make sure there is nothing missing. Since contracts usually need to be drawn up in a timely manner, having a lawyer on retainer makes sense because they will be readily available to jump in.
3. Protects Intellectual Property
At the Winghart Law Group, one of the areas we specialize in is intellectual property. As a business, you need to protect your intellectual property because that’s what sets you apart from the competition. Your trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets are vital to your company’s identity. If you don’t protect them, you are vulnerable to infringement and other issues that can result in major losses. Business attorneys help to get your business copyrighted to prevent others from stealing your work and to protect your name.
4. Provide Legal Guidance
When you have an attorney on retainer, they can provide trusted legal advice for your business. A legal issue or question can come up at any moment. When you have someone you can immediately turn to and trust, you can have peace of mind that you are doing everything possible to protect your business.
5. Helps with Human Resources & Liability Issues
Having a business attorney on retainer can help avoid legal issues dealing with human resources and liability. Your lawyer can advise you about dealings with employees and employment law issues. This can minimize your chance of getting sued.
6. Litigation
There are times when even the best legal advice can not prevent you from facing litigation, and you still find yourself heading to court for liability issues. When this happens, you want an attorney on your side that you can trust. It is much better to deal with someone you have built a relationship with than someone brand new. If you have had someone on retainer, they are familiar with you and your business.
Benefits of Working With Winghart Law Group
Businesses in the Bay Area choose to work with the Winghart Law Group for several important reasons:
Personalized Service
We offer personalized service and get to know our clients. It is our mission to get to know you and your company so that we can best serve you. We work with you to provide affordable legal advice.
Honest & Fair
We review each case to determine the best steps and advise you on how to proceed to reduce costs and risks. Our team encourages new customers to take advantage of a free 30-minute consultation so we can determine if we can be of assistance. At Winghart Law Group, we are always honest and will tell you upfront if we don’t believe we can be of service.
Results Driven
The Winghart Law Group is results-driven. We are committed to helping you succeed and avoid conflicts by providing early training and guidance. We will negotiate to settle disputes and take your case to court if necessary.
FAQ About Having an Attorney on Retainer
How much does it cost to have an attorney on retainer?
Retainer fees will depend on the lawyer you are hiring and what they charge. There can be a wide range depending on the work involved and the type of agreement you have.
When should I put an attorney on retainer?
You should have an attorney on retainer from the start. It can help you to focus on your business and not worry about legal issues. An attorney can also help with contracts so that your business runs smoothly.
How long is a retainer contract valid?
A lawyer retainer will typically remain valid until the funds are gone or your specific legal matter is over. Many retainer agreements are active for 6-12 months and can be renewed from there.
Are You Looking for a Bay Area Business Attorney? Contact Us Today!
If you’re looking for a Bay Area business attorney, the Winghart Law Group is here to help. Our firm works to protect you and your business. We are committed to solving problems before they become larger ones. When we do go to court, we work diligently to present your case in court to get the results you want. Call us today at 650-673-3219 or go online to schedule a free consultation.
