Most legal matters in business, including NY law, are related to civil matters, and seldom concern criminal law. Ask any lawyer how to avoid a lawsuit or a disagreement over a business matter, and they will advise you to consult with them first. This isn't a clever marketing tool designed to drum up business; it actually is sound legal advice. This advice is analogous to a Doctor saying that preventive medicine is the best cure for disease.

Lawyers can often foresee legal problems with vague wording in contracts, and are able to steer you away from harmful agreements that force you to give up too many legal rights. Seeking legal counsel before signing a contract or forming a partnership is much wiser than dealing with the legal ramifications later.

To find the best lawyer for your business, consider:

1. Researching statewide legal associations to find New York attorneys.

2. Buying a prepaid legal service plan.

3. Know what specific type of law your New York lawyer should specialize in (if applicable to your business).

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check professional legal associations to find a New York law firm

There are numerous associations that lawyers in New York can join. Lawyers join professional organizations to further their career and attend educational seminars and training. They also join to network with other legal professionals, and keep their practice current.

I recommend: The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA). The NYSBA maintains a service titled the Lawyer Referral and Information Service. The NYSBA website also contains a wealth of information about the laws in New York. The information is organized in a useful manner and the site is updated frequently. There is also an area where you can search for an attorney and find contact information and the registration status of New York law firms; this area is actually a link to a site maintained by the New York State Unified Court System. Regional and local bar associations can provide a referral to attorneys located in the geographical area they serve. The Association of the Bar of the City of New York refers attorneys in the New York City area. Although this is the largest regional bar association, there is an association of lawyers located in almost every county of New York State. The American Bar Association (ABA) Lawyer Referral Directory contains New York State associations that are sanctioned by the ABA. The ABA's Consumers' Guide to Legal Help in New York also provides useful information to the public regarding choosing a New York lawyer, handling a legal issue yourself, the laws of New York and information about the New York state court system. There is also information about how to resolve problems with your lawyer, and how to verify a New York attorney is licensed with the state.

Consider prepaid legal service plans for dealing with New York state laws

Prepaid legal service plans provide subscribers with access to lawyers handling basic legal problems, including contract advice, legal document review and preparation of simple wills. Other plans offer more comprehensive coverage for trials, bankruptcy, real estate matters and more complex contract advice. These services are available for a flat monthly fee.

I recommend: The American Prepaid Legal Services Institute does not offer prepaid legal plans directly, however they do provide a tremendous amount of information about prepaid legal plans. They also have an extensive list of prepaid legal service plans which will get you started with your search. Check with any member associations you belong to, or your credit union. Organizations such as these often offer prepaid legal service plans as a benefit of membership. The AARP Legal Service Network, and Consolidated Legal Services, P.C. are two such organizations. Legal Care Direct is a company that offers a prepaid legal service plan tailored specifically to small businesses.

Check commercial law websites online that offer information about lawyers in New York

There are many commercial websites for lawyers available online. Most of these listings require lawyers to pay a fee for a listing and advertising space. These sites are not as objective as professional bar association sponsored lawyer referral services, but often contain specific information regarding specialties and areas of expertise.

I recommend: Martindale.com bills itself as the "Premier Destination for Sophisticated Buyers of Legal Services." Their site is more powerful than a simple directory listing. They offer more sophisticated searching tools, top 10 rankings and side-by-side comparisons of selected lawyers. Findlaw also provides information about the criteria you should consider when hiring a lawyer, and allows you to narrow your search to New York lawyers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask other professionals for a referral. Your accountant, real estate broker or banker may be the best source for finding the attorney you need for your business or legal matter.
• •  When you are screening New York attorneys, make sure that all of your questions are answered and your concerns are addressed. If accessibility and responsiveness are important factors, ask your prospective attorney how quickly you can expect a response to a phone call or e-mail, and who covers their practice during illness and vacations.