Tips for Finding a Corporate Attorney

These days, a corporate attorney is almost essential for any business, regardless of its size. Even a small business with only five employees can benefit from the counsel of a corporate attorney, especially if they are at risk for litigation, which almost any business surely is. A corporate attorney will help a business to succeed in the financial world, and will defend its interest in the case of a dispute with a vendor or customer.

But where is the best place to look for a corporate attorney? And how will you know if he or she is qualified to do the job? Here are a few tips for finding a corporate attorney.

Finding a Corporate Attorney Tip #1: Yellow Pages

Most large cities have yellow pages that include a section for just corporate attorneys, which is a great place to start. Although the yellow pages won’t tell you whether or not the corporate attorney is competent, it will at least give you a general idea of your local options.

Finding a Corporate Attorney Tip #2: Local Bar Association

Your local bar association will have a list of the corporate attorneys who live and work in your area, and might even have additional information, such as corporate attorneys who are currently accepting new clients. This will also ensure that you find a corporate attorney who has been admitted to your state bar.

Finding a Corporate Attorney Tip #3: Other Businesses

Since there are many unscrupulous corporate attorneys out there, talking with other local businesses and soliciting references might be a more prudent way to go about finding one. Ask if they are happy with their corporate attorney, and if they are accepting new clients.

Finding a Corporate Attorney Tip #4: Internet Search

Although the Internet isn’t a definitive resource for finding a corporate attorney, it is certainly an effective jumping-off point. You can use a legal website such as www.lawyers.com, or you can perform an Internet search including your city and state and the category of attorney.

Finding a Corporate Attorney Tip #5: Attorney Referral Services

Many cities have 800-number referral services, which are great resources. It is a free service that allows you to call in, give the category of lawyer you are looking for, and they will give you a list of candidates. Most large cities provide this service; Houston’s, for example, is 800.289.4577.

Finding a corporate attorney in your area shouldn’t be difficult, but make sure that you check into the reputation of any attorney before making a decision. Have they won cases for previous clients? Do they routinely represent clients in your industry? You can check their lawyer ratings at Martindale-Hubbell.