Cannabis consulting organizations and law firms are typically the first two options that come to mind for cannabis-related enterprises.
We are strong of the opinion that a cannabis consultant and a few attorneys are the best solutions available because of their extensive understanding of the business, tax, and intellectual property restrictions.
Because of these crusaders, we have the social and economic benefits that we do today. For this, we are eternally grateful. Regrettably, the licensing systems developed and implemented by the state and municipalities have, for the most part, missed and circumvented the value that these barristers generated for us in favor of the corporate and land-use legal expertise that is now required to contribute the most value. This is because the state and municipalities prioritized the expertise required in these areas to contribute the most value.
Step 1: Determine What Your Legal Needs Are
Before you even start looking for an attorney, determine exactly what you’ll need first in terms of legal experience and help. Here are some helpful questions to help you:
- What form of legal counsel or assistance will I need to prevent future responsibilities in terms of employment, contractual, regulations, taxes, and other relevant areas?
- What are the operations-related gaps or obstacles that my cannabis firm will likely experience (or is now facing)?
- Do I need aid in generating additional funds, acquiring or leasing commercial property, or dealing with current obligations or assets?
- What do I hope to achieve with my business during the next 5 to 10 years?
- What is my eventual aim for the business?
Step 2: Obtain References From Reputable, Credible Sources
It helps to talk to someone you trust about legal problems, such as a former or practicing lawyer whom you’ve known for a long time. If you already know the sort of support you need, your acquaintance can aid you by putting you on the appropriate path. You’ll have a lot higher chance of finding the correct lawyer than if you perform research on your own (although this is a possibility, of course).
Step 3: Familiarize Yourself With Each Attorney And Their Legal Companies
Don’t simply take your friend’s word for it, though. Do your due homework and find out as much about the lawyer and their legal company as you can. Take note of the number of years the lawyer has been practicing, how long the firm has been functioning, where the lawyer graduated, or anything relevant over their whole legal career. Take a look at the website or social media profiles of the attorney or the company to get a better idea of who they are and how likely your partnership will flourish. Most essential, check the bar website of your state to discover whether the lawyer truly can practice law in your jurisdiction.
Step 4: Schedule An Appointment With Your Potential Lawyer
Reading about your probable lawyer can only go you so far. Schedule an initial meeting, ideally face-to-face, so that you may have a more in-depth talk about what you need. Make sure, nevertheless, that you won’t get paid by the lawyer for this initial consultation! Additionally, make sure you see at least three lawyers before you decide. Don’t just pin your hopes or settle for the first one you talk to.
Step 5: Establish The Payment Mechanism Early On
In your conversations with probable cannabis attorneys, be sure to speak about costs and payment, especially if it appears like there’s potential for you to have a nice working relationship. Clarify the price structure (monthly, per transaction, and so on) with the lawyer, so that you can assess if your company can operate within it and vice versa. It also helps to seek bids for legal services, since secretarial time and other overhead expenditures should already be included in the lawyer’s estimated hourly rate.
Step 6: Weigh Your Alternatives Carefully
Ultimately, the decision lies with you. Avoid attorneys that present red signs (e.g. they seem to be too busy, they take too long to handle needs, they seem to favor costly litigation above finding cost-efficient remedies, etc). After you speak to each of them, write down the advantages and drawbacks of each lawyer, depending on how they behaved with you and the characteristics they demonstrated throughout your conversations. Include other considerations such as experience and pricing as well, and you’ll be able to come up with the ideal selection in no time.
A last reminder: The success of your relationship with your cannabis lawyer also depends on your behavior as a client. Be open to discussing all relevant information you’re your https://polstontax.com/ lawyer, create clear guidelines and expectations on what you need and may expect from each other, and be sure to listen to what they say.
