Dealing with legal issues in your business can be a complex process. Whether you're in the middle of a dispute, thinking about legal action, or need some general guidance, consulting a business litigation attorney can help you move forward successfully.
However, having a successful first meeting with a business litigation attorney often requires some planning.
Identifying your goals, preparing documents, and thinking out questions beforehand are three steps that can help ensure you make the most out of your initial meeting at a business litigation law firm.
Consider What You Want to Achieve
Before heading to your attorney's office, take some time to list out your goals. Identify the purpose of the visit and why you could use the advice of a business litigation attorney. Common reasons to schedule a meeting with a business litigation lawyer include:
- Dispute resolution
- Seeking compensation
- Lawsuits
- Breach of contract
- Business strategy support
- Whistleblowing
Clearly stating your main goals helps your lawyer tailor the meeting to best suit your current needs. Aim to clearly explain the situation you’re dealing with and the type of legal support you need. This helps make communication clear and saves time. It also helps ensure you’re getting advice that’s both relevant and helpful.
Bring Any Relevant Documents and Information
A business litigation lawyer needs to be informed to offer effective support. Regardless of the type of legal advice you need, it’s important to attend your first meeting prepared. Bring as much information as possible about your current situation. Examples of documents a lawyer might need to see include:
- Contracts
- Agreements
- Insurance papers
- Legal documents
- Financial records
- Emails or letters
Providing a lawyer with well-organized documents allows them to leverage their legal knowledge to quickly identify issues, problem areas, and solutions.
Prepare Questions Ahead of Time
Engaging in open communication with your business litigation attorney is essential for a successful working relationship. Take the time to consider your questions before heading into your first meeting.
Topics new clients often need answers to usually concern the legal process, potential outcomes, challenges, and possible options given the situation. Write down these questions beforehand to ensure you don’t forget anything while in the meeting.
It’s also a good idea to ask questions about the attorney's fee structure, the estimated timeline for your case, and their experience working on similar cases.
A new lawyer or one who hasn’t handled your type of situation before might not have experience working on the type of legal issue you need help with. Hiring an inexperienced lawyer can be a big mistake.
Although your lawyer will be handling your case for you, you’ll still be involved in the process. Asking the right questions ensures you’re well-informed and prepared for what the legal process you’re heading into will entail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Business Litigation Attorney Do?
Business litigation attorneys handle legal disputes related to commercial and business matters. This can include disputes over contracts or partnerships, lawsuits, and more. Their main goal is to help clients resolve business-related conflicts.
Depending on the circumstances, a business litigation lawyer might recommend negotiation, mediation, or litigation for your case. Often, a combination of these approaches is required to arrive at a working solution.
When Should I Call a Business Litigation Attorney?
Any time you know or suspect you’re facing commercial or business-related legal issues, you should consult a business litigation attorney. A lawyer can help you get ahead of potential issues. That includes advising you on how to avoid unwanted legal ramifications before you take action.
Business litigation attorneys handle a wide range of matters. These include contract disputes, financial issues, fraud, whistleblowing, and operating issues.
How Long Does Business Litigation Take?
The duration of business litigation cases can vary widely. Some cases are resolved relatively quickly through negotiation, while others end up going through a lengthy court process.
Many factors influence how long it takes to resolve a business dispute. The nature of the dispute, whether it’s necessary to go to court, and whether the other side is willing to negotiate are factors that directly impact your timeframe.
Your attorney can provide a more accurate time estimate based on the specifics of your case during your initial meeting.
What Should I Consider When Hiring a Business Litigation Attorney?
Two of the most important elements to consider when choosing a business litigation attorney are experience and results. Experience in a specific industry or legal area tells you that a potential attorney has the skills you need. Some fields, in particular, require specialized knowledge, such as the construction, energy, oil, and gas industries.
Results show you that a business litigation firm has a strong track record of achieving positive outcomes for past clients.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Business Litigation Attorney?
Business litigation attorney costs usually vary by firm. Legal fees depend on a combination of factors. Some of the most common elements that impact the overall cost of hiring a business litigation attorney include the complexity of the case, the attorney's experience, and the geographic area.
Law firm payment structures can include hourly rates, retainer fees, or contingency fees. You’ll be able to ask questions about fee structure and costs during your initial meeting.
Need to Speak With a Business Litigation Attorney? We Can Help
If you're dealing with business-related legal issues, don't wait to contact a qualified Dallas business litigation attorney. The experienced team at Dunn Sheehan is ready to assist you in navigating commercial disputes, providing strategic advice, and identifying strategies that serve your best interests.
Dunn Sheehan has a reputation in the Dallas area for achieving noteworthy results in the field of multimillion-dollar business litigation. We offer a variety of fee structures so we can effectively serve your business needs.
Contact Dunn Sheehan to schedule a consultation with an experienced business litigation attorney in Dallas.