Business Lawyers London

Local resource for business lawyers in London. 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.
KROLL
02072 324254
C/O PTARMIGAN MEDIA
LONDON
Lester Dominic Solicitors
020 8371 7400
85-87 Ballards Lane
London
Howell-Jones Partnership
020 8535 7537
75 Surbiton Road
Kingston Upon Thames
Portmans Solicitors- Local Personal Injury Specialists
01372 464488
1 Meadway
Esher
TWM Solicitors
01372 729555
123 High Street
Epsom
Glazer Delmar
020 7639 8801
223-229 Rye Lane
London
Bridge Burke Solicitors
020 8972 8018
22-24 Thames Street
Kingston Upon Thames
Harold Bell & Co.
020 8393 0231
174 Kingston Road
Epsom
Buss Murton LLP
01322 220235
Crown House
Dartford
Cook Taylor Woodhouse Solicitors
01322 223223
12 High Street
Dartford
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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.

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