So full disclosure, I served as an attorney with Rocket Lawyer. Rocket Lawyer is similar to the same services you would receive from LegalZoom. Both offer template packages for small business owners for customary issues faced by small business owners. The fees are relatively low and they offer attorney review/discussion services at a discounted rate for questions you may have regarding the documents that you are creating. It can seem like a great option for the small business owner just starting out. It may actually be a great option for a small business with low income to start. Their testimonials and the fact that they are still in business indicate that the service is needed and used by small business owners. Here are the reasons why going to a small law firm from the start may be a better option for your small business.
Deviating from the template provided is increasingly difficult, if not, unable to be done at all.
Every business is not the same. Every business' goal is not the same. Taking the advice to register your business may be a little more detailed than you expect. Without a degree in business law, you may be taking on an entity that is not serving you best. You may also be completing the incorrect form for your business' needs. A thirty minute appointment with the attorney provided, the quick "ask an attorney" feature, or the document review option may not be able to fix that situation. You will actually have to hire an attorney for the work needed. The templates provided may not be the best document for your business, especially when more customization is necessary to meet your business' needs.
You will get a different attorney every time you ask to have an attorney review a document created with the template.
Having an attorney on retainer is the best option for your business. They know you and you know them. It's like what you want for your business, a repeat customer that you can anticipate their needs. A new attorney every time you want a document reviewed is like going to a different doctor every time you have a physical. You are starting from scratch and wasting time repeating yourself and you may not even be repeating the same situation, therefore, you are going to get a different diagnosis. The same consistent attorney will provide you with the consistent counsel you need from an attorney that knows and understands your business and can predict and advise regarding your business' needs with consistency. Similar to a primary care physician.
The discount offered to the attorney services in conjunction with the fee you pay for the business service may not actually be a deal.
If you find the right attorney for your business, they may be able to offer you a better rate than paying for two services. Not all law firms cater to big pockets. Smaller law firms may have a lower price point and offer services that are comparable to what your small business can pay regarding legal services. They do so because their business overhead is lower, therefore, they can offer your business services at a lower price point and still be profitable. There are small law firms out there that offer flat rate packages, subscription services, and per service offerings that meet the limited budget of a business starting out and gives your business the steady counsel it needs to be properly advised. Just reach out to a small business attorney to communicate what your business needs and see if their offerings are comparable to that offered by business legal service providers. You may be surprised as to the result.
Just a quick note: While working with Rocket Lawyer and giving a consult to a client, they did question why they were paying Rocket Lawyer to speak to me when they could have just contacted my firm directly. Your choice.
I'm not in any way saying that Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom are in any way bad services. I am not saying that the attorneys that provide consult through Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom do not care about your business. The point being pressed here is that you may get the same or better result by starting with a small law firm from the beginning. Legal billing and legal rates have changed significantly. Many firms have moved away from the hourly rate in exchange for flat rate billing, payment plans, and subscription services. All of which might meet your price point for your small business legal needs.
Personal example of going straight to the source
I completed my website through Wix. I like it. I can edit and update the website without waiting for a web designer to complete what needs to be completed. Every day I get an email from a web design company informing me that my website is inept and that they can provide a better service. When I speak with them about their service and offerings, all I get in return is another website that looks just like every other business because the quick turnaround is based on templates. Wix offers a marketplace of web designers that are skilled in Wix web design that can assist with anything you cannot do on your own. Finding a good web designer may be hit or miss, however, when you get a good hit, you keep it. The web designer that I chose for some selected services did not want to change my entire website, yet improved and provided the value that I needed without making my website look like every other website out there. When I need more services, I'll go to that web designer to complete those tasks because they know my firm's website, I'm not repeating myself again regarding website needs, and a business relationship has already been established. The consistency for a great service is the plus.
This is the same with your accountant, physician, dentist, or any other professional providing services to you or your business. A consistent and steady source of information for you or your business will go much further than you think. Though it may take some time to find the right professional for you or your business, when it's right, the benefits far outweigh the struggle.
If you are a small business owner considering Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom, consider working with a small law firm first. You may be surprised at the value your business will receive versus paying the legal subscription service and another law firm. If your business is registered in Florida or Georgia, feel free to call my firm to discuss the options available to small business owners or just book a consultation here and we can discuss how my firm can be of value to your business.
Comments