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7 Factors to Consider When Choosing Business Lawyers

June 24, 2021/in Business Law, Resources

What do you love about owning your own business? Most likely, you enjoy selling something or providing a service that other people need or enjoy. But, who do you turn to when you need help with your business, and you don’t know the answer?

Business lawyers are there for you and other business owners when it comes to business legal matters. They assist with starting a business, writing contracts, contract disputes, and many other areas. If you encounter an issue with your business, you should contact a business sooner than later.

Choosing business lawyers can seem daunting, but we are here to help. Here are some things to consider when considering options for lawyers.

1. Integrity

When you select a lawyer, they represent you and your business. This means that you’ll want that person to have upstanding character. Lawyers need to be tough in some circumstances, along with stalwart.

What you don’t want is someone who will go to any lengths to resolve an issue in your favor. Once they have moved on, you are left to pick up the pieces of yours and your business’ shattered reputations.

A good way to root out the bad ones is to look at lawyer references and reviews. Many different sites offer reviews for lawyers and law firms. You should also cross-check those reviews with at least two other websites to get a complete picture of a lawyer.

If a lawyer is accused of shady behavior multiple times, they will do it again.

2. Consider Legal Experience When Choosing Business Lawyers

Integrity aside, the best way to choose a competent lawyer is to take their legal experience into account. You’ll want to verify that the lawyer you want to hire has experience with the issue you have. Talk to your lawyer and ask them questions to get a thorough understanding of their experience.

You should also see if they have other areas of expertise related to business law. It can be good to have some to call who is already familiar with your business if other problems arise.

Look at the track record of their cases and see how successful they are at resolving issues for their clients in their favor. This can help give you confidence in your lawyer’s ability. You should also consider the number of cases your lawyer has handled.

A lawyer who has been practicing for years will have more wisdom than a lawyer with less time on the job. This shouldn’t be the most important thing you consider, however. Lawyers who have a high success rate with their cases have a lot of wisdom to offer.

3. Experience as a Business Owner

Business lawyers have experience dealing with the legal aspects of business, but many do not have experience as business owners. They can understand, but it can be more difficult without firsthand experience.

When you are dealing with a large law firm, most of the lawyers at the firm will work for the partners. At a small law firm, however, the lawyer that handles your case might be a partner. This means that they will have the legal experience you need and share your business experience.

Business experience isn’t necessary for business lawyers to be effective. However, that experience can help them better understand the issues that you have.

4. Effective Communicator

Aside from knowledge of the law, one of the most important skills a good lawyer should possess is good communication skills. A lawyer’s job is to communicate with opposing counsel, the judges that preside over their cases, and juries. Your lawyer also needs to be good at explaining things to you.

Legal matters are difficult to understand, and your lawyer should communicate this in a way you understand. A good attorney should anticipate your questions and notify you about developments without you asking.

Not only does an attorney need to know how to communicate, but also the best communication method. Some matters may only warrant an email, but others may dictate an in-person meeting. Your attorney needs to read the situation and respond as appropriate.

5. Billing Structure

Legal services can cost a lot, especially if it takes your attorney a lot of time to address your issue. Hourly billing will cost you more if your problem only requires a few hours of a lawyer’s time.

Talk to your lawyer about the fee structures they have available. Find a lawyer with a fee structure that fits your needs at the time. You should also inquire if the fee structure can be adjusted if your needs change in the future.

6. Get a Local Attorney

Business laws will vary between states. Some districts in a state may have unique business laws that are different from others across the state. This is why you need someone familiar with the business laws in your area.

It isn’t impossible for lawyers not from your area to help you. However, they will need to familiarize themselves with local business laws. Much of their time will be spent trying to understand local regulations instead of playing an active role in assisting you.

7. Relatability and Transparency

An important element of a successful attorney/client relationship is the attorney’s ability to be relatable and transparent. As a client, you need to be able to get along with your attorney. Good rapport is important between an attorney and their client, especially when difficult subjects arise.

A good relationship will make it much easier to discuss these matters.

Your attorney should also communicate with you when the need arises to ensure you stay on top of matters concerning your business. The more comfortable the two of you are communicating with each other, you’ll both be able to tackle issues better when they come up.

Your Greenville Attorneys

Your care a great deal for your business, and when choosing business lawyers, we know you’re looking for someone who will do the same.

A good attorney should be open, reliable, honest, and an effective communicator. You will also need someone with plenty of experience; if they are a partner at their firm, they can also relate to you as a business owner. Find a business attorney in your district who is familiar with local business laws.

If you are in the Greenville area, De Bruin Law Firm has attorneys who can help with the legal matters of your business. We also have attorneys who specialize in real estate law, criminal defense, and estate planning. If you need legal help, schedule a consultation so we can assist you.

How Long Does It Take to Start a Business in South Carolina?

June 15, 2021/in Business Law, Resources

Around 20% of businesses fail within the first year of opening.

But that’s why businesses have to make sure everything is planned from the outset. They have to make sure that they have the resources that can help with a slow business or if things don’t sell right away.

So, how long does it take to start a business in South Carolina that has a high chance of success? And what are the advantages of starting a business?

Here’s a look at the timeline it takes to create a business and the advantages of having a business.

How Long Does It Take to Start a Business?

Before starting a business, you need a business plan. You something that is going to outline your mission statement, your unique value proposition, and your target audience.

You have to create a plan around what your business is going to do. You have to figure out how it’s going to help people.

Planning is just the first step. And part of planning is figuring out what building materials you may need to construct your business.

There are also different levels of starting a business. You not only have to consider the legal aspects of what you need to start a business, but you also have to think about your marketing strategy and what makes your business unique.

The Legal Aspect

When it comes to the legal aspect, you may need an LLC, partnership, or some other form of business legality that legitimizes and projects your business.

In South Carolina, you will have to see how long it takes to form an LLC and what other requirements are needed depending on the county you live in.

The Small Things

The small things are getting everything you need to make your business successful. After the legal aspect, you will need to invest in marketing strategies.

You will need to invest in an online presence that can help attract more customers to your business, especially if you have a brick-and-mortar business.

Creating a marketing strategy can help you connect with your target market. It can help a business get started faster because they are driving in more customers faster.

Without a marketing strategy, people in South Carolina may not know your business has opened. They may know to shop at your business.

Financing

The final part that can affect your business timeline is financing. You want to know about your financing that is going to subsidize your business.

You may have to wait on a business loan or build savings to create your business. You may need to wait to open your business so you have the funds to pay for the legal and marketing aspects.

You also have to consider having an emergency business funding plan. This is in case there’s a pandemic or something unplanned happens to the business that you have to be financially prepared for.

What Are the Benefits of Starting a Business?

However, when you do start a business, even if it takes a year or a couple of years to get off the ground, there can be a lot of benefits to starting a business.

One of the best benefits is that you’re your own boss. You don’t have to be accountable to anyone else except yourself. But that also puts pressure on you to succeed.

You have to figure out what it takes to build a business in South Carolina and what can make you the most successful. Here are some specific benefits to consider when you do start a business in South Carolina.

Building Revenue

One of the best benefits of building a business in South Carolina is your building revenue.

You’re building a sustainable income with your own business. If you have everything planned and overhead accounted for, you can build a profitable business.

More importantly, you’re also building something sustainable for years to come. With revenue, you can invest in the future of your business.

But revenue also comes with building lifelong customers. You’re building customers that are going to continue to shop at your business for years to come.

If you invest in your business in South Carolina and have a solid marketing strategy, you can have consistent revenue because you have lifelong customers.

You’re Building Something for the Future

Another benefit to consider with building a business in South Carolina is that you’re building something for the future.

What this means is that you’re building something for the community of South Carolina. You’re building something for people, helping them solve a problem.

This helps you build a community of followers, of people who want to support your business.

In addition, the more you invest in your business, the more you’re investing in the future of what you’re doing in South Carolina. You’re looking to continue helping people in a particular area of South Carolina overcome a problem.

If you want to avoid risk in your business as you’re building for the future, you should consider hiring a business formation lawyer.

Now You’re Ready to Start a Business

If you’re wondering, “how long does it take to start a business in South Carolina?” The answer is it all depends. It depends on your business and what legality you’re going to pursue to protect your business.

It also depends on your marketing strategy and how long it takes to build your business from the ground up. You don’t want to rush the process and have it be costly for your business.

If you have questions about how to make your business more legal proof in South Carolina, you can contact us here for consultation.

5 Advantages of Having a Small Business Lawyer

April 9, 2021/in Business Law, Resources

Your business may be classified as small, but it’s everything to you! You have poured yourself into it and know it inside and out.

And while you may be an expert in your business field, chances are you may not be an expert in the law. That’s why having an experienced small business lawyer on your side is a good idea.

Don’t wait until you are in a jam or have been sued. A good lawyer can help prevent those from even happening at all.

Read on for 5 benefits of a small business lawyer.

1. A Doctor for Your Business

You depend on a family doctor to keep you healthy and live a long life. Think of a lawyer as a doctor for your business.

It is their job to protect your dream and livelihood and keep it operating at top capacity while avoiding unnecessary lawsuits and drawn-out legal proceedings.

They will help organize the business structure to best suit your long-term objectives. Do you want a partnership or sole proprietorship? Do you need an LLC, or should you form a corporation?

There are risks, liabilities, tax implications, financial considerations, and other legal matters depending on which route you choose. It pays to have someone with legal experience to help make the right decision.

Your personal small business lawyer will continue to monitor your business model to keep all aspects running smoothly.

2. A Contract Specialist

Almost every decision made regarding your business from day one will involve some type of contract, from customers to suppliers to employees.

Unfortunately, the days of handling details with just a firm handshake are a thing of the past. It is in your best interest and your dream business to have everything in writing and legally correct.

You want to be fair with your employees, but you must protect your business. Non-disclosure or non-compete agreements may be needed to keep your business secrets and plans from falling into outside hands.

Vendors are your lifeline and require mutual respect and the flow of information. There are also times when a well-worded contract by a skilled small business attorney will save you both time and valuable money in keeping your business afloat and profitable.

3. To Defend Intellectual Property

If your business is the product of years of dreaming, planning, thinking, and ideas, then the final achievement is your intellectual property. The last thing you need is someone to steal your concept and claim it as their own.

Inventions, logos, designs, software, brand name, original productions, and even services are considered your intellectual property. To protect them, you might need copyrights to register trademarks or even patents.

Don’t risk losing all your hard work by not taking action to protect them. And don’t trust just anyone with this information. Your small business lawyer knows how to preserve this data and knowledge.

4. For Your Real Estate Ventures

Maybe you started your business from your basement or living room, and it’s time to expand. Or maybe you want to start the gate in a brick-and-mortar building.

Whatever your real estate needs are, make sure you have an attorney in your corner. Leases and other agreements have a lot of fine print but are still often negotiable. Don’t get caught in a situation you can’t get out of.

From start-up to moving up, your small business lawyer will have your real estate needs covered.

5. To Help Arrange an Exit Strategy

Few businesses are run and maintained solely by one person. Whether you have partners or shareholders, there will come a time when someone wants out.

Even under good circumstances, there are still legalities and financial impacts involved when someone leaves. A business attorney negotiates buy-back or buy-sell agreements so everyone is covered and the business still has the capital to operate.

How to Pick the Best Small Business Lawyer for Your Business

Now that you have answered the question should my business have a lawyer, your next step is to find the best one for you. Here are some things to consider.

Their Experience

There are many levels of legal services you will need with your small business. Make sure the attorney you choose is experienced in each of them.

You don’t want to have to hire multiple lawyers to do multiple jobs. Find one who can help you with all your needs.

Their Knowledge of Your Type of Business

All businesses are not created (or run) equally. There is not a one-size-fits-all legal approach either.

Your small business lawyer is also your partner. They should be knowledgeable about the type of business you run. This helps them keep up to date on all related laws, potential road bumps, and how to help plan for your future.

Their Connections

While you want your attorney to cover all your legal bases, they may come when they need to reach out for additional help or resources.

A well-established lawyer will have a network of connections. This will enable them to bring someone in to help that they know and trust.

Their Attitude

Simply put, can you see yourself working with them? You will not see them every day, but you must be able to get along when a need does arise.

They should be approachable, easy to reach, and dependable. Your business’s needs must be a priority, and dealing with them should be pleasant and not another chore.

Their Fees

As with any valuable resource, your small business lawyer is a financial investment. However, you owe it to your bottom line to understand their fees and payment structure.

Perhaps you want to pay per project as needed. Others may opt to have their attorney on retainer. This is a negotiation process that both parties need to agree on for the benefit of both.

Don’t Risk Your Life’s Dream

From the first day, you thought about starting your own business; everything has led to this point. Don’t risk all that time, money, and effort by not being prepared and represented.

A small business lawyer will be by your side through the ups and downs and will always work to have your best interests in mind. From contracts to protecting your brand to keeping you out of the courtroom, they do their job so you can focus on yours.

Here at De Bruin Law Firm, we are a full-service law office dedicated to making our clients a priority. We specialize in business law and would love the opportunity to work with you.

Reach out today for more information on our services.

Registering for and Filing Income Tax Withholding in South Carolina

March 7, 2017/in Business Law

South Carolina business owners must take several steps to get their businesses off the ground. They must choose a location for their business and they must obtain financing. They must choose a business entity, such as a limited liability company or a partnership, and they must register a business name. And, of course, the business must register for state and local taxes.

Withholding Tax

Withholding tax is taken out of wages. The withholding tax goes toward the total annual income tax liability. Employers that hire South Carolina employees must issue a return to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for the taxes that have been withheld.

First, the business owner should complete Form SCDOR-111, which is the Business Tax Application. After this form is completed, the business owner will be able to move forward with a number of steps, such as registering for a retail license. After completing the Business Tax Application, the business owner will also be able to register for income tax withholding. Once the application is completed, the business will receive a withholding file number. The business owner will reference the withholding file number in all correspondence and when making payments. It must also be referenced when the business owner calls the Department of Revenue.

Tax Payments

The method of payment varies depending on the amount of withholding tax the business is filing. For those whose withholding tax is more than $15,000 during a quarter, or that make more than 24 payments each year, the business must pay online. These businesses must also submit the Withholding Tax Coupon, Form WH-1601. For businesses that must pay less than $15,000 per quarter, payment may be submitted voluntarily online.

W2 forms for employees are due by January 31 following the tax year. So for tax year 2017, W2s are due by January 31, 2018. These may be submitted online.

As for filing the returns, businesses must file a withholding quarterly tax return (form WH-1605) for the first three quarters of the year. At the end of the fourth quarter, a withholding fourth quarter and annual reconciliation return, WH-1606, must be filed.

Tax Deadlines

These returns are due on April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31. It is very important to meet these filing deadlines. If a business misses one of the withholding tax deadlines, the business may be subjected to penalties.

As of January 1, 2017, the South Carolina Withholding Tax Tables have been updated for the first time in 25 years. The withholding tax tables will also be updated every year beginning with 2017. It is very important that business owners use the new tables to ensure they are submitting the proper amounts. These tables, along with the withholding tax formula, are available at the South Carolina Department of Revenue website, www.dor.sc.gov.

How business attorneys can help with registration and filing

Navigating the websites of South Carolina’s governmental agents is not always easy. There are dozens of forms online, and it is not always clear which ones you need to use. With the assistance of a business attorney, you will ensure that you are taking the proper steps to launch your business and meet state tax requirements. Rather than risk being subjected to penalties, it is better to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney who understands applicable laws and regulations.

Let our business attorneys advise you

At the De Bruin Law Firm, our attorneys are experienced in helping businesses register for state and local taxes and filing those taxes. To schedule a free consultation with our attorneys, call 864-982-5930 or visit debruinlawfirm.com.