How Does a Business Lawyer Help?
A Business Lawyer Can Provide Strategy and Stability, Even in Uncertain Times
The spread of COVID-19 has put many businesses under unprecedented strain. As urgent, society-wide social distancing measures are put in place, businesses have been forced to reduce budgets, lay off employees, and revaluate their strategies. In uncertain times like these, an experienced business lawyer can help your company weather the storm.
Below, we’ll identify key differences between employment, labour, and business lawyers and discuss exactly what it is a Canadian business lawyer does. We’ll also explain why our business lawyer directory is a great place to find the legal help your business needs.
Employment Lawyers vs. Labour Lawyers vs. Business Lawyers
As we discussed in our last blog post, there are several key differences between employment, labour, and business lawyers. Employment lawyers focus primarily on relationships between employers and employees. Issues they might help resolve include disputes over wrongful dismissal, contracts, wages, safety standards, discrimination, and harassment. Labour lawyers, on the other hand, focus on organized labour, collective bargaining, and unions.
Although some business lawyers have experience dealing with employment issues, their main focus is on relationships between clients and customers, clients and partners, and clients and the government. Read on for some examples of the types of services that experienced business lawyers provide.
Business Formation
Starting a business isn’t as simple as writing a business plan, building a social media presence, and launching a sales strategy. Depending on the size and complexity of the business you intend on starting, you may need to choose a form of business ownership, secure financing, apply for licenses, register for taxes, purchase insurance, and complete a litany of other tasks. An experienced business lawyer can help you navigate this sometimes-arduous process and ensure your legal bases are covered. They can also ensure that your company is in compliance with the numerous regulations that govern Canada’s business community.
Contract Development and Review
Contracts are an everyday reality for proprietors of operational businesses. They dictate the terms of agreements between business partners, employees and employers, and clients and service providers. A regular stream of new contracts on your desk is an indication that your businesses is succeeding – a business lawyer can write, review, and amend contracts to ensure that your interests are represented and your success continues.
Business lawyers also help resolve disputes between parties when contracts are broken.
Mergers and Acquisitions
As your business grows, you may encounter opportunities to buy out, join forces with, or be bought out by another company. Each of these scenarios offers opportunities, and it is the job of your business lawyer to ensure that your interests are represented in negotiations and agreements.
Find an Experienced Business Lawyer in Canada
If you or someone you know requires the services of an experienced business lawyer, our comprehensive business lawyer directory is a great place to start your search. The business lawyers listed on ExperiencedLawyers.ca have at least 10 years of legal experience.