What are your areas of expertise?  The days of a true general practice lawyer are long gone.  Lawyers must develop expertise in certain practice areas.  Be wary of any lawyer who says that he can handle any type of case for you.

How do you handle matters outside your area of expertise?  The best lawyers have alliances with other capable professionals outside their areas of expertise, and are not reluctant to refer you to their colleagues.  Often these referrals are made within the lawyer's own firm.  Look for a lawyer who is not reluctant to refer you to someone outside his firm, if necessary. 

Do you have a plan for helping my business avoid legal problems?  Most lawyers are reactive: if you bring them a problem, they will help you solve it.  Look for a lawyer who will help you avoid problems before they arise.  Consider the Ten Fatal Mistakes that Business Owners Make.  Make sure that your lawyer has a formal plan to help you avoid these and other legal challenges.

How will you help my business grow?  Your lawyer should be a valuable counselor in the growth and development of your business.  Schedule a regular meeting with your lawyer - at least annually - to outline your business plans and goals.  Your lawyer should regularly review the health of your business and help you develop strategies to help formalize and strengthen your business.  Growing your business is like eating an elephant — you have to do it one bite at a time. 

Can you coordinate your work with my other professional advisers, such as my accountant, financial planner, or banker?  Your lawyer is part of your team of professional advisers.  Make sure that your advisers can work well together.

Can you help me develop relationships with other professional advisers?  Savvy lawyers have developed working relationships with a variety of other professionals, including accountants, insurance brokers, employee benefits specialists, merchant services providers, payroll services, and more. 

Are you available for telephone consultations?  Many legal questions can be resolved with a quick telephone call, particularly if your lawyer understands you and your business. 

Your legal counsel can help you preserve, protect, and promote your business.  Develop a long-term relationship with competent legal counsel, and your business will boom.

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Download my e-book, "Ten Fatal Mistakes That Business Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)" at http://www.gfrlaw.net/firmpublications.aspx.  The book is free, and you are not required to give any contact information.  Feel free to pass along copies of the e-book to anyone who might benefit from it.  Or you can read about the Ten Fatal Mistakes on BiziBoom.  Avoid the Ten Fatal Mistakes, and your business will boom.


Who is Scott F. Gibson?  For 23 years, I have practiced business law in Arizona, the past ten as the managing partner of Gibson Ferrin & Riggs, PLC.  We help businesses and their owners meet their business and personal goals.  My practice focuses on the intersection between intellectual property law and employment law.  I help businesses prosper by properly managing their intangible assets. 

You can learn more about me on Martindale Hubbell, Avvo, or gfrlegal.com.  Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.