Whether you're starting a new business or have been in operation for a few years, small businesses encounter an array of obstacles throughout the years. Disputes with third parties, compliance issues with local government, and consequences from a lack of legal protection are examples of a few complications that small businesses may face, in which having a local attorney to call could help to avoid or navigate properly.

A small business lawyer is a lawyer who is well-versed in the regulations and standards of operation local business owners need to follow, as well as the options they have when faced with everyday legal matters and larger-scale business issues. They assist solo business operators, family businesses, and even businesses that are expanding. From the beginning, having a small business lawyer overlook the process and growth of your operation can help your business to build a strong legal foundation that sets your operation on the path of legal success and stable protection. From reviewing contracts to hiring new staff members, a lawyer can assist you with necessary insight when making important decisions, among other tasks:

1. Protecting Intellectual Property: Your logo, business name, product designs, and processes are all examples of intellectual property. The intellectual property is your legal right to protect your work from being used by other businesses and persons without authorization. A small business lawyer can help to advise and guide you through the process to obtain IP rights over your business' intangible and tangible assets.
   
   
2. Designing Worker Agreements: Contracts are a main form of communication and the legal backbone in any business. Whether you work with independent clients, hire vendors for reoccurring events, or hire regular employees, there are multiple types of contracts and worker agreements that a small business lawyer can help you design. Some examples include: service agreements, non-disclosure agreements, vendor and supplier contracts, and lease agreements.
   
   
3. Guidance Through Lawsuits & Disputes: Both small and large businesses are often faced with legal disputes and lawsuit threats from former employees, previous vendors and partners, clients and customers, and competing businesses. Even if you and your business have not yet encountered such a dilemma, having a reliable, strong legal team on hand is vital in keeping your business protected.
   
   
4. Compliance & Industry Regulation: Every business must operate in according to federal, state, and local laws. Involving a small business lawyer earlier on in your business' lifespan helps to prevent and avoid potential complications from arising later on, such as fines, penalties, and the risk of being shut down.