Guide to Finding Florida Business Lawyer

No matter whether you are an employer or employee, anyone who is in the workforce must comply with all federal, state and local laws at all times. Florida business lawyers help businessmen and workers guard themselves against lawsuits and help with any litigation. There are many reasons you may find yourself needing private legal counsel. Before you decide to retain the services of a FL business lawyer, here are some things to keep in mind.

Business law for business owners

“Business law” is a generic term covering many different areas of the law. There are two different kinds of FL business lawyers:

• Transactional attorneys work in the office, managing and reviewing paperwork.

• Litigation attorneys argue cases in the courtroom.

If you are trying to avoid a lawsuit, you are practicing “preventive litigation.” This means you have retained the services of a Florida business lawyer who ensures the legal validity of:

• Any contract you sign as an employer or employee

• Employee manuals

• Agreements you sign with a contractor or another business

As a business owner, you must be in compliance with all disability laws and make sure you are not violating any workplace standards. Florida business lawyers can make sure you are following all applicable regulations.

The larger your business, the more legal issues you will have to consider. If you are buying or merging with another firm, a FL business lawyer should review all agreements. Business paperwork is often complicated and commits you to expensive obligations. Reviewing all documentation makes sure you are not entering into any agreements you do not understand the full ramifications of.

Additionally, you will need to make sure all your taxes have been properly filed and paid. Inadvertent tax violations can be easily avoided by retaining the services of a qualified CPA. Florida business lawyers can maintain all of your paperwork and keep it organized to make sure you can produce any documentation you need.

Business law for employees

As a worker, you have rights and protections any employer must honor. No workplace can:

• Refuse to hire you on the basis of disability, race or gender

• Fire you in a way that violates your contract

• Underpay you for regular or overtime work

• Ask you to commit illegal actions

• Expose you to sexual harassment

Florida business lawyers can help employees who have been treated badly by their employer. If you are injured on the job, you are entitled to workers compensation. This is not a matter for civil court. A FL business lawyer can refer you to the appropriate specialist if you do not receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Business law in the courtroom

In most cases, if you decide to seek out the services of a Florida business lawyer, you are preparing to file civil litigation. This means you are seeking monetary compensation. Retaining a FL business lawyer can be expensive. Before you consider hiring an attorney, ask yourself:

• What is the nature of your dispute? Can it be resolved out of court?

• How much time, money and energy can you devote to litigation?

• How long ago did the incident in question take place? Are you within the statute of limitations for you lawsuit?

Most civil cases will be resolved before they ever end up in court. You may be willing to take an out-of-court settlement negotiated by your Florida business lawyer or decide you will not settle for anything less than your day in court. It is important to understand what are you seeking. A FL business lawyer needs to know what you are hoping for before they can reprsent you effectively.

Unlike criminal court, in civil court neither the plaintiff not defendant is entitled to free legal counsel from a Florida business lawyer. You are entitled to represent yourself. However, most lawsuits require you to follow proper legal procedures which can be highly technical. If you are going to court, you should try to pay for a FL business lawyer to help advise and represent you. This will help ensure you do not commit any procedural errors and present the strongest possible case.

Hiring a Florida business lawyer

When you decide to go to court, ask friends and family for referrals to attorneys they have successfully worked with. These are the most trustworthy recommendations. You may also ask the Florida Bar or a local bar association for a referral. Before agreeing to meet with any Florida business lawyer, check their disciplinary record online to make sure they are in good legal standing. If they have received any censures or otherwise been flagged, a consultation will be a waste of time.

Many FL business lawyers maintain websites which describe their services and skills in hyperbolic language. Do not be swayed by advertising. A Florida business lawyer who misrepresents what they can do for you may simply be trying to charge your for services that will not advance your case. You need an attorney who is honest and realistic about what they can help you with. It may be necessary to interview several FL business lawyers before you find one who you are comfortable hiring.

Prepare for your first meeting with any attorney by assembling all the relevant documentation. Business contracts, the names and contact information of witnesses, and any other paperwork you have will help FL business lawyers evaluate the strength of your case and whether you can expect civil litigation to proceed successfully. Be prepared to answer all questions thoroughly. Do not attempt to conceal information you feel may be disadvantageous to you. FL business lawyers need to know all the facts before they advise any course of action.

During your first meeting, ask how long your lawsuit will take and what kind of charges you will be liable for. If there is a good chance you will receive a settlement, some FL business lawyers may agree to take a percentage of whatever you are awarded rather than billing you directly.