First, you may be asking yourself, “How can an attorney be my friend?” A valid question. Second, you may be thinking of the stigma that can be associated with having an attorney. However, an attorney’s job is to protect you and your rights, as well as your business. The road of business law is long and sometimes confusing. What contracts should you sign? What’s in this contract? What’s a partnership agreement? What’s an LLC? All of these questions are common and important. That’s where an attorney comes in.
Here in Texas, growth is booming, yet we still feel like sealing a deal on a handshake is the business norm. Many new businesses are starting up. More construction projects are up for bid and there is so much work happening it can be hard to keep up.
If you decide to branch out and start your own business or already have a business, it’s extremely beneficial to sit down with an attorney to ensure you and your business are protected. An attorney can work with you to prepare business formation documents for you to file and finally start your business. They can create an employment handbook, credit applications, partnership agreements, and much more; all tailored for your long-term protection.
As the saying goes “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and this is beyond true when it comes to business and law. Investing in having a contract reviewed on the front-end can save you potentially tens of thousands in litigation costs later. Having an attorney as your first line of defense, instead of as a weapon of last resort, can save you a lot of stress and money.
And, having an attorney on retainer means if you ever have a question about a contract or need a lien filed, you can easily call them and get the assistance you need.
The construction industry in Texas is at an all-time high, and that means more work, but also more chances for issues to arise; so it’s good practice to make sure you’re protecting yourself.
Attorneys can:
● Create and/or Review Contracts
● Form your business
● Create all the formation documentation for your business, i.e. credit apps, employee handbooks, non competes, and more
● File your Mechanics Liens in any county in Texas
● Collect monies owed to you
● Defend you in court
After all, you wouldn’t put sunblock on only after you’ve been burned.
