Finding Small Biz Legal Help

Question: Where can we get low-cost help for routine legal questions and problems?  We'd like to avoid going to a lawyer for every little thing, such as forms we need or relatively simple items.

 
Answer: Most small businesses, especially startups, can ill-afford large legal fees. However, don't discount the value of good legal advice. Many businesses are sorry later on that they did not seek professional advice for contracts, negotiations or other vital issues.  That said, however, there are many excellent resources that can help business owners save money on routine legal matters and help you understand the many requirements small businesses face.
 
One reason small businesses fail is because they don't seek legal help at critical development stages. BusinessLaw.gov helps small biz owners identify and solve legal and regulatory business questions. It covers all federal agencies and has a section for state and local laws and regulations (select your state from the menu). Topics range from basics such as choosing a business structure and hiring a lawyer, to e-commerce and exporting. You can check local zoning codes or file a complaint with the Office of the National Ombudsman if you are having problems with a federal regulatory agency. BusinessLaw.gov aims to provide knowledge of basic legal issues so you can identify potential problems early and take action.  For a legal site run by the government, this is surprisingly good.

Findlaw.com is probably the most complete online legal hub for answering quick legal questions and has a helpful small business center with info on contracts, employment issues, operations and listings of firms by state. See the business section at www.findlaw.com.

Business Week Online Small Business offers an excellent (and free) online publication called The Upstart Small Business Legal Guide (second edition): How to Understand Legal Issues and Protect Your Small Business, Complete with Forms. The 20-section table of contents covers everything from selecting the best business form and working with an attorney, to leases, collections and Internet law. Find it through www.businessweek.com/smallbiz or enter direct at businessweek.findlaw.com/sblg.

Nolo Press is the leading U.S. publisher of self-help legal aids. While the notion of legal "self help" makes many lawyers nervous (like self-help surgery), Nolo's specialized legal books for small business have proven popular and cover just about any topic you might need.  Even better, their Web site is a dream (well, as much as anything involving legal stuff can be a dream). Browse the free Small Business Law Center (click "Small Business" under Law Centers) for concise, plain English info. Find Nolo titles in the business or self-help legal section of bookstores. The Nolo Web site (www.nolo.com) has complete info, or call (800) 992-6656.

Pre-Paid Legal Services, a public company that's been around since 1972, offers a Business Owners Legal Solutions Plan that's a good value for many biz owners. You pay a set monthly fee for access to legal advice & services when you need them. Think of it as legal "health insurance" for your company. Submit questions and get a response usually the next business day. Call (800) 654.7757 or visit www.pplsi.com.  

The Federal Employment Law Handbook for Independent Business is a 40-page handbook produced by the Atlantic Legal Foundation and the NFIB Legal Foundation. It's an excellent, and concise description of federal laws that govern your business/employee relationships and includes copies of seven different notices that businesses must post for employees. You can view it online or download in PDF format at www.nfiblegal.com. Or request a copy by calling (800) 552-6342.

Legaldocs (www.legaldocs.com) lets you prepare customized business legal documents directly online. Choose any of the documents offered, complete the questions, click the "Submit" button, and the finished document is ready for you to either download or print. Many are free. Others cost $3.50 to $28. All documents can be previewed free of charge.