When we think of getting a lawyer for our businesses, we often think of going for the big shots, the names we have heard on TV or read online, and the ones aged by experience. While this is usually a good bet, it is important to place all your options on the table and make an informed decision based on their performance rather than popularity.
Getting into a successful business means you will interact with many stakeholders, including the government, and you have to be in the right with all of them. From contracts to taxes, a business owner needs to ensure that all their weaknesses are covered.
A litigation attorney will work to ensure all your business affairs are in order. They work to ensure small issues do not stall your core business and that any conflicts involving your business are sorted out in the most professional manner possible.
A New York commercial litigation attorney can do all this for you and, if you search well, will be easy to find. These five should be the cornerstone of your attorney and if you can get one with all of them, your work-life will be a walk in the park.
Do They Have the Qualifications?
It goes without saying that there are multitudes of imposters out there, swindling, and conning clients in need of good service. This is why it is important to ensure that the attorney you choose to give business to is certified and qualified for the job.
Are they accredited in the state bar? Did they actually go to Law School? These may seem like obvious questions but are vital in finding the best fit for your organization.
Go ahead and also do research on their background, previous cases, reviews, and news mentions. You will discover a lot about an attorney this way and gauge if they are a good option for you.
Is your Attorney Specialized?
If your attorney of choice has all the necessary qualifications, check into their areas of specialization and practice. While all attorneys are taught to tackle every aspect of law, one concentrates and specializes in a particular field.
An attorney can be an expert in more than one branch, but you want someone with a lot of practice and whose daily work revolves around cases such as yours.
Find out if your attorney is a commercial litigation attorney or in general practice. A specialized attorney is important in such cases because you want someone who understands business law and your region’s litigation landscape.
A New York commercial litigation attorney will probably also know the laws specific to New York and will be prepared with knowledge in court, unlike an attorney who does not have practice in the field of litigation. This will prevent surprises and ambushes if you proceed to court.
Do They Understand Your Business Model?
Your attorney should understand your general business operations and model, regardless of the industry you work in. Whether it is fashion or agriculture, your attorney should know the laws that govern these industries in terms of tax, ethical manufacturing, and wage rates in case of any mishaps in the future.
In sectors like Tech and arts, your attorney should be well versed in patent and copyright laws because these are the most prevalent issues affecting businesses in that field.
Your attorney does not need to be an expert in your business operations, but they need to understand how it works. This way, they can anticipate potential issues that may arise and knowledgeably deal with existing issues.
How Are Their Communication Skills?
When you have a case, especially a litigation case that may affect your business or your employees, you want to be in constant communication with your attorney. This is mainly to ensure that you are constantly informed on any issues that arise during the case period, such as contact from the other party.
Having an attorney who can update you on the status of your case and help you through the process is significant in your business. An attorney who will also go the extra mile to educate you on the nature of your case, possible options, and the best actions to take will save you the confusion and anxiety that comes with litigation cases.
What Is Their End Goal?
At the end of the day, we all want to make money, which is why we work tirelessly. However, money should not be the only incentive that brings us to work, especially for litigation attorneys.
The attorney of your choice should want to seek justice above all else. An attorney who works to find the best solution to your problem will go out of their way to ensure that you know your rights and your position in the issue. They will be very honest about the possible outcomes and will not rush to settle the case just to get the payout.
A case can drag on due to various unforeseen developments in a case, and you need an attorney who takes up your case for the long haul. Attorneys who commit for money tend to drop cases abruptly when they feel the work will require significant effort.
That said, as you search for a litigation attorney, ensure you have asked this question at the beginning of the relationship for clarity.
Hire a Good New York Commercial Litigation Attorney
Getting a good commercial litigation attorney in New York is challenging but not impossible. With so many around, you need to consider all the qualities listed in this column to find a dependable New York commercial litigation attorney who will work for you and your business.
With every recommendation you get from your close circle, do your due diligence. Find out if the attorney still works in the state or in that particular field. Find out their working hours and rates to determine if you will take up their services.
A good attorney will give you confidence that whatever the outcome of the case, they did their ethical best and prioritized your interests.
