Business Lawyers Sheffield

Local resource for business lawyers in Sheffield. 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.
Favell Smith & Lawson
0114 272 4381
16 Bank Street
Sheffield
Bury and Walkers Solicitors
01226 733 533
Britannic House
Barnsley
Walker & Co.
01709 817112
4-8 Tickhill Road
Rotherham
Dickinson Wood
01302 329504
28 South Parade
Doncaster
Browell Smith Solicitors
0191 2211611
Pearl Assurance House
Newcastle upon Tyne
Oxley & Coward
01709 510999
34-46 Moorgate Street
Rotherham
Atteys Solicitors
01226 212645
31 Regent Street
Barnsley
Banner Jones Solicitors
01246 861250
Old Council Chamber
Chesterfield
Carlisle Legal Costing
01228 409255
39 Lonsdale Street
Carlisle
The Probate Firm
01434 600024
Garden House
Hexham
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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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