Getting an attorney when you need one is relatively simple. You may have to go through the process of speaking with a few lawyers whose knowledge and abilities meet your needs, but finding a lawyer can be a quick experience. However, finding a lawyer for one time use is quite different from finding a long term attorney. Here are some scenarios that require finding your own general practice attorney.
Opening a new business
If you are starting your own small business, you may be surprised at the amount of paperwork and legal protections that you may need. You will have to be properly incorporated as a business, have the correct liability insurance for your industry, and have a number of safeguards in place if you have a retail storefront open to customers. You may run into legal issues, both with clients or with your financial or legal responsibilities. Having a lawyer on retainer is one of the best ways to combat these problems. Your lawyer will know your business practice and have a copy of your paperwork on hand, making them the best person to defend you should legal snags arise.
Family troubles
Have a child who tends to get into car accidents a little too often? Got a brother who has faced shifty business accusations one too many times? If your family has run into issues of being sued or needing to be represented in court more than one or two times a year, keeping a family attorney on retainer is a good idea. If you get a call in the middle of the night about a legal problem, the last thing you want to have to do is spend the next few days scrambling to secure an attorney. A family attorney already on payroll will know your background and will be able to handle the ins and outs of the legal problem immediately.
Running into wealth
Whether your winnings are from the lottery or whether you had a winning invention that took off, wealth is a big indicator that you will need an attorney who remains on your retainer. General practice attorneys can represent you in a number of ways, such as creating wills and trusts, drafting up non-disclosure paperwork, and representing you in public if you would rather keep your identity anonymous. If you have come into money, an attorney who is there to oversee your personal and financial needs is the first hire you should make.
