Tips on selecting an attorney

CHICAGO — Cleaning professionals starting a new business without consulting an attorney can be making a big mistake, according to a press release.

"There are all kinds of issues, including tax consequences that are best addressed before a business gets off the ground. A qualified attorney can be a key resource both when starting and after the business gets going," said Michael Schaffer, a senior executive with Tacony's Commercial Floor Care division and president of Tornado Industries.

However, many entrepreneurs in the professional cleaning industry are not sure how to select a qualified attorney, the release stated.

According to the release, this month's Tornado's Business of the Business offers some suggestions on how to find the right attorney for a new enterprise:

Selecting an attorney tip #1: Ask other business owners which attorneys they work with and if they recommend them.

Selecting an attorney tip #2: Contact your local bar association for a list of attorneys that specialize in business organization.

Selecting an attorney tip #3: Make sure the attorney has expertise in business organization–for example, setting up a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.

Selecting an attorney tip #4:  Ask the attorney if business organization is their specialty. Most attorneys specialize in different legal arenas; an attorney that specializes in wills and probates would likely not be a good attorney to ask for help starting a new business.

Selecting an attorney tip #5: Consider any special needs you may have; for instance, if English is your second language, it might be best to work with an attorney that speaks your primary language.

For more tips, click here.

"The legal costs to set up a new business typically are relatively small. But legal fees can vary. You want to make sure you understand exactly what the costs will be before retaining the attorney," Schaffer added.

Click here to read the release in its entirety.