Business Lawyers Bristol

Local resource for business lawyers in Bristol. Includes detailed information on local businesses that provide access to business tax preparation services, business organizational plans, contract drafting tips, and tax counseling services, as well as advice and content on choosing a lawyer.
Devereux and Co.
0117 959 3344
52a High Street
Bristol
LHP Law
01225 315055
37 Gay Street
Bath
John Hodge & Co.
01934 410910
Unit 10/11 Morston Court
Weston-Super-Mare
Fryer, Collett & Co.
01934 626681
5 Beaconsfield Road
Weston-Super-Mare
Keith Evans & Company
01633 257721
14 Clytha Park Road
Newport
Foster and Partners
0117 961 5300
International House
Bristol
Stone King Sewell
01225 571795
13 Queen Square
Bath
Wards Solicitors
01934 413535
37 Boulevard
Weston-Super-Mare
Chawner Grey
01934 417768
Grove Chambers
Weston-Super-Mare
Harding Evans Solicitors
01633 244233
Queens Chambers
Newport
Provided By: 

Choose a Lawyer

As your company grows and you begin to enter into formal relationships with staff and clients, it is likely you will need to seek the advice of a legal practitioner. Indeed, you may need the assistance of a lawyer almost every step of the way; lawyers will be able to assist you with:

  • compliance issues
  • liaison with third parties (eg trade unions, tribunals)
  • setting up employment or client contracts
  • termination of contracts
  • employment law
  • product liability
  • health and safety
  • copyright, trademarks and patents

Your options

There are several options open to you. Larger companies that have a fast growth plan may opt to have a 'generalist' in-house lawyer that can deal with all matters. For specific projects, it may be a better option to take on an in-house lawyer as a secondment. Alternatively, you could use a firm on an 'as and when needed' basis.

Assess your needs

In law, 'time is money' so it would be wise to try and plan so as to gain as clear an understanding of your requirements as possible.

If you are looking for a lawyer to deal with work permit issues, for example, then look for someone with expertise in that field. You will also need to look at future needs. If your company has plans to expand outside the UK then you will need a lawyer or firm that is capable of doing international work. It is a good idea to choose a law firm that has expertise in all the areas on which you need representation both now and in the future.

Some people like to use firms who have the best reputation in their field, in the belief that a firm with a good reputation will add credibility to the company. This can be effective if you are involved in tribunal cases or if you decide to float your company on the Stock Exchange. However, if you are recruiting an in-house lawyer, it is best to choose the lawyer for their expertise and not for the firm they have recently departed.

Fee structures

It is important to understand legal fee structures. Traditionally, lawyers work on a fee-for-time basis, which increases with the level of experience they have. Alternatively, lawyers can offer 'capped fees' which is based on certain assumptions about the job. Some firms are even prepared to act on a contingency basis for start-up companies, which they consider to be in high growth areas. This means that no fees are charged if the deal does not proceed to completion. Whichever fee structure you negotiate, you should always ask for regular updates on the invoice.

Choosing your lawyer

Once you have chosen which option is best for your company, you will need to find the right person or firm. If you are taking on an in-house lawyer you should follow best recruitment practice and check references and qualifications. Candidates should have a law degree, followed by one year law school (two if there is no law degree) and two years' articles. If you are taking on a firm 'shop around' and invite three firms to pitch for your business.

Click here to read the rest of this article from My Business