Selecting the right attorney to represent your business is a big commitment. Many factors differentiate one attorney from the next, from knowledge of your industry to how you’ll be billed. And don’t forget personality – that matters too. Factors like these can help you decide which firm is the perfect fit for both you and your company. By no means should your search be limited to the suggestions below, but they should be considered when searching for your best representations in the Columbus and Phenix City areas. Legal representation in the valley can be incredibly competitive, and you will want to ensure you have the best Columbus Attorney available to assist you with your case.

1. A Strong Track Record of Integration

Identify legal experts who have experience in your field. Success is not just a matter of knowing the law relative to a given business model, but integrating that understanding into review procedures, products and people.

2. Someone Who Understands Your Business

Look for a lawyer who understands your business, is an effective communicator and gives advice that is targeted to the issue at hand.

3. Personality

Find a lawyer that you like — plain and simple.  The lawyer’s job is to not only protect you but also manage the anxiety that accompanies whatever transaction you are undertaking. If you don’t like your lawyer, he or she cannot do this effectively.

4. Alternative Billing Structures

Some attorneys are willing to offer alternative billing structures, such as flat rates or a cap on the amount they charge for a project. For example, if they typically take three to five hours to set up a corporation, they might agree to a cap of not more than fives times their hourly rate. Having a flat rate or a cost cap can be key in helping you prevent surprise legal bills.

5. Someone Who Can Talk Business

So often, attorneys are singular in that they know the law, but not much else. Attorneys tend to hedge their advice towards risk aversion. However, many times, the cost to prevent certain risks is actually too high from a business perspective. Find an attorney that can and will present both sides of that equation. In the end, it’s your company and your decision to make — not your attorney’s.