Legal Services for Small Business - how much!

[Peter Draper]

Hi - Does anyone have any comments regarding the use of, or indeed any useful, companies offering reasonably priced legal services for small businesses?

I currently have a need for some partnership contracts to be reviewed and have feedback on any issues likely to arrise, especially incorporating international (USA) law. I can take this to any number of high street solicitors with a business arm and also have to give them an arm, a leg and two toes for the priviledge. I would much rather use a "virtual" fixed price service but can you trust them? Have you had experiances? Can you recommend any?

Feedback appreciated.

[Alex Bellinger]

I've never used an online legal service. Strange that law is one of those areas where I'd still feel more confident seeing the whites of the eyes of the person I'm dealing with. An irrational response, probably as a result of my deep lack of knowledge on the subject! Sorry I can't help, but maybe someone else will chip in.

[Alan Bold]

Hello Peter, Having worked for many years for a couple of prestigous international law firms formerly as IT manager and originally in the billing / accounting depts i feel that i have a good knowledge of how traditional law firms operate. My feeling is that its important to get a lawyer who has experience in the area of law that you require. So in your case it looks like a lawyer who has US law experience. So perhaps a UK firm that has an office in the US or an international law firm. I would also say that you get what you pay for and i think in business its important to have watertight contracts and so having a good lawyer is really important. If the work you require is relatively straightforward then it shouldnt cost you too much to use a big law firm as the work will be carried out by a young associate and reviewed by a partner. One thing i would do with any law firm is ask for a detailed invoice including details of soft costs (tel, photocopies,faxes) as its amazing how much companies overcharge for these services and if you ask for details they are less likely to bump them up. Of course before you choose any lawyer you should ask for an estimate of the cost whether its a high st solicter, large city law firm or virtual law firm. As far as virtual law firms go i would be hesitant about using them as a good lawyer is much more likely to be working for a traditional partnership. The law society of england is also a good resource to help find what your looking for. Also dont feel that because your business is small that you cant use a large city law firm. I know of lots of Partners who work with small firms or large firms that were small businesses when they first started working with them.
Hope this helps

Alan Bold
AstralVoices.com

[Peter Draper]

Thanks for the input Alan. There are some very useful comments in there and I will heed the advice.