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Legal Support Recommendation

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    Legal Support Recommendation

    Its my first post, so please be gentle. I've been dipping into the forum for over 3 years and its a great resource. Keep up the good work.

    I've searched the forum and found something on divorce lawyers etc but nothing that would answer my specific question. I'd welcome your advice.

    I run a small company of <5 people. I've coped so far without legal advice but will need it as the business expands. I need help double checking employment contracts, interns, pension rights, IP protection, supplier contracts etc. I'm 98% OK with most of it, but largely want a second opinion. I also want someone to go to if something goes pear shaped.

    Should I go for one of the large 'one size fits all' legal teams, or a smaller 1 or 2 person outfit and use specialist advice when I need it (such as intricacies of IP protection)? What is your experience? Do you have any recommendations?

    Many thanks!

    #2
    I went through similar a few years ago. Find a local legal practice that specialises in small businesses. They might be large, in fact probably best if they are. Smaller firms tend to be more personal legal stuff rather than business. They’re all going to charge pretty much the same price for the same service. Try a local business networking group for recommendations. I do thing some of this sort of stuff needs to be face to face. You’ll pay a few £k for each document they produce so think carefully about your priorities. Employment contracts should have IP protection in them as well. Pension rights you probably want to do elsewhere as that’s pretty basic.
    See You Next Tuesday

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      #3
      Legal advice vs Solicitor

      Thanks for the reply Lance. I appreciate it.

      Would you recommend layering the advice? I've been looking at the Federation for Small Business and they provide access to legal advice. They probably won't review contracts etc, but I could probably phone them up and ask them for advice on specifics? I could then use a local solicitor for specific contract reviews, disputes etc.

      Does anyone have any view on the legal advice/documents that come bundled with memberships such as FSB? Is it worth the membership fee?

      Comment


        #4
        As a first port of call I'd suggest checking your business insurance. Ours comes with some kind of free legal advice (I'm guessing logic is it's cheaper for them if you get a bit of good advice in advance, less chance of a claim). I used it once for an employee related issue...ended up going completely against their advice(!) but still it was handy to talk it through with them.

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