by Haris Quintana
Running your own business means making tough decisions. Decisions that affect your profit, decisions that affect your staff and decisions that affect your reputation. For the most part you make the right decisions and your business runs smoothly. But everyone makes mistakes and sometimes those mistakes cross lines. Lines that perhaps you didn’t see, or lines that perhaps you took a chance on.
When you do find yourself on the wrong side of that line, you’re going to need a little help and a team who will help with the best civil or criminal defense if it gets that far.
In this blog, we take a look at what you’re looking for in a lawyer and how you can minimise the disruption and impact of your business mistake.
Image from Pixabay: CC0 licence
Time
When you’re the subject of an investigation time is not on your side and though it’s easy to, try not to feel pressured. You do need to appoint a lawyer but you can take an afternoon or even a day to find someone or a team that you trust.
Take a deep breath and begin your research by asking others in your industry or peers if they have recommendations. Look online and find lawyers who have had a lot of success in cases similar to yours and start reaching out to them.
Early Stages
When you meet your team, you’re looking for professionals who can communicate well. You’re looking for a lawyer who can fully grasp the complexities of your case and doesn’t feel phased by them but instead is confident and reassuring.
You are looking for a clear strategy and a lawyer who presents you with the best options for minimising any damage and leaving with your name and reputation intact where possible.
You don’t want a lawyer who makes promises that seem far fetched and unrealistic but someone who is honest with you and breaks down your options in a realistic way.
Stay Open
In the build up to a potential trial, there are many twists and turns and while you might want your day in court to clear your name and state your case, it might be that agreeing a settlement is a far better option. It can call a halt to all the drama, minimise the amount of publicity you may generate and allow you to get back to business as soon as possible with minimal impact on your business.
Although always ultimately your choice as a paying client, do listen to the advice of your lawyer someone who has seen scenarios like yours played out many times before and can offer you advice that’s fully intended to be the best for you.
No one wants to find themselves on the wrong side of the law, it’s worrying, it’s bad for business and it’s costly. But if you do find yourself facing charges, find a lawyer with experience, integrity and a killer track record who can put you back on track as soon as possible and on with your life.
