Legal

To follow is a list of tips that will help you to find the most appropriate legal adviser for you and help to keep the lawyer/client relationship a productive and long lasting one.

Where do I start?
Consult a specialist legal directory and call lawyers with expertise in the areas that you are looking for. The Law Society is a good place to start.

Speaking to people that you know in your business sector is often a good way to find advisers.

Don’t be limited by location. Most lawyers will be willing to travel to see you.

Ask the following types of questions:

  1. Do you have expertise in dealing with [your type of business/sector]?
  2. Do you offer a first free meeting to discuss my needs and can I get an idea about costs at this meeting?
  3. Will this meeting be with a partner and will partner contact be provided going forward?
  4. How quickly can you see me?

At the meeting
Before the meeting prepare a list of questions to ask the firms that you visit, such as:

  1. Tell me in more detail about your expertise in [your particular business area/sector].
  2. Can you give me an example of recent work that you have done in this area?
  3. Can you name some of the clients that you have worked for in this area?
  4. If I were to engage you, who would I be working with?
  5. Will you be able to provide me with a partner that I will have easy access to?
  6. What is your charging structure?
  7. Do you offer fixed fees?
  8. Do you offer contingency fees?
  9. Do you have links to any other law firms in any other jurisdictions?
  10. What other services do you offer that you think may be of use to me?
  11. Can you provide me (for free) with a breakdown of the services that you feel I require with costs estimates?
  12. Do you have any links to other organisations able to assist my business?

  13. What is your firm’s specific approach to the provision of legal services?

At the end of the meeting inform the lawyers that you are seeing a few firms and you will be making a decision as to which firm to choose.

Steptoe & Johnson is a multi-national partnership in the City of London that offers clients the close collaboration of a boutique firm with the depth and breadth of legal expertise found in a leading US-UK law firm. The firm has gained an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, exceptional advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. With nearly 400 lawyers, the firm has offices in London, Brussels, Washington DC, Phoenix and Los Angeles.

In the UK, our clients range in size from entrepreneurial businesses through to the largest multi-national conglomerates. We apply our experience to deliver creative solutions in dynamic markets. We regularly guide local and overseas clients through complex regulatory matters in the UK, the US and across the EU. As part of the team, we work to advance our client’s commercial objectives. We are committed to delivering a proactive and responsive service of the highest calibre.

If you have any questions with regard to the above please contact:

Michael Thompson,
Partner mthompson@steptoe.com or Keri Hollywood,
Associate khollywood@steptoe.com

Steptoe & Johnson, Clements House,
14/18 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7JE. Telephone: 0207 367 8000
Website: www.steptoe.com

Consider the proposals – look for the value added

At the end of the meetings you will need to consider which firm to instruct.

Base your decision on which firm you feel will provide the best quality service at a cost that you can afford.

Consider the personalities that you have met and whether you can see yourself dealing with them on a long-term basis.

Is there one firm that stands out because of the additional services that they provide?

If you are still in doubt, draw up a shortlist and ask them further questions.

Specific advice for new businesses

If you are a new business there will be a long list of issues that the lawyers will say you need to deal with. Ask the lawyers to prioritise this list into issues that must be dealt with now and issues that can be dealt with later (when you have more money).

If you are a new business that it is likely to require funding, ask the lawyers if they have any contacts that they feel may be able to assist you – an invaluable service to a new business.

How to maintain a good relationship with your lawyers

  1. If you don’t think your lawyer is producing what you need when you need it, say so!
  2. Talk about costs – ask for more explanation if you need it and query bills that you feel are too high. Ask your lawyer to report to you on a weekly or monthly basis so that you know how much is on the clock.
  3. Keep them informed – if you are to deal with certain commercial issues yourself, make sure that you tell your lawyers what you have done in order to avoid duplication.
  4. Answer queries promptly – if you want to keep your legal costs down then answer all of your lawyers’ questions promptly so that they don’t have to chase you for a response.
  5. Provide clear instructions as to exactly what you want and when you want it by.

Related Resources Online
The net is stuffed full of advice, here are some of the sites we recommend.

Related Resources
Site Description
www.lawsociety.org.uk Includes law firm listings
www.businesslink.org Provides access to approved legal advice
www.startups.co.uk Basic legal and practical advice for new businesses
www.legaladvicefree.co.uk Provides basic legal advice and a listing of UK solicitors
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