Does my start-up need an attorney? What other professionals should I hire?

Starting and growing a business requires a diverse set of skills and expertise. While some start-up founders may have experience in certain areas, it is often necessary to hire professionals to help navigate complex legal, financial, and operational issues. In this blog post, we will discuss the number and types of professionals that a start-up should hire and at what stages of the company lifecycle.

Attorney

One of the most important professionals that a start-up should hire is an attorney. An attorney can provide legal advice and guidance on a wide range of issues, including business formation, contract negotiation, intellectual property, employment law, and regulatory compliance. Start-ups should consider hiring an attorney early on in the company lifecycle, as legal issues can arise at any stage of the business. An attorney can help ensure that the start-up is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and can help mitigate legal risks and liabilities.

Accountant

Another important professional that start-ups should consider hiring is an accountant. An accountant can provide guidance on financial matters, including tax planning, bookkeeping, financial statements, and cash flow management. Start-ups should consider hiring an accountant early on in the company lifecycle, as it is important to establish good financial practices from the beginning. An accountant can help ensure that the start-up is in compliance with all applicable tax laws and regulations, and can help identify areas where the business can improve its financial performance.

Marketing Professional

A marketing professional can help start-ups develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote their products or services. This includes market research, branding, social media, email marketing, and advertising. Start-ups should consider hiring a marketing professional as they begin to develop their products or services and are preparing to launch. A marketing professional can help the start-up establish a strong brand identity and effectively reach its target audience.

Human Resources Professional

As start-ups begin to grow and hire additional employees, they may need to hire a human resources professional to help manage their workforce. A human resources professional can provide guidance on recruitment, employee training, compensation and benefits, and compliance with employment laws. Start-ups should consider hiring a human resources professional as they begin to build their team and expand their operations. A human resources professional can help ensure that the start-up is in compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations, and can help create a positive work environment for employees.

IT Professional

As start-ups become increasingly reliant on technology, they may need to hire an IT professional to help manage their technology infrastructure. An IT professional can provide guidance on software and hardware selection, cybersecurity, data management, and network administration. Start-ups should consider hiring an IT professional as they begin to develop their technology infrastructure and rely on technology to support their operations. An IT professional can help ensure that the start-up is using the latest technology tools and best practices, and can help protect the start-up from cyber threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, start-ups should consider hiring a variety of professionals to help navigate complex legal, financial, and operational issues. This includes an attorney, accountant, marketing professional, human resources professional, and IT professional. The timing of these hires will depend on the specific needs of the start-up at different stages of the company lifecycle. By hiring the right professionals at the right time, start-ups can increase their chances of success and build a strong, sustainable business.

Next Steps

Use the buttons below to to set up a meeting. When starting or operating a business, timing is critical; therefore, if you need assistance with your business venture, it is important that you retain the services of a competent attorney as soon as possible. Should you choose to contact me, we will begin with an introductory conference—via phone—to discuss your situation. Then, should you choose to retain my services, I will prepare and deliver to you for your approval a formal representation agreement. Unless and until I receive the signed representation agreement returned by you, my firm will not have accepted any responsibility for your legal needs and will perform no work on your behalf. Please contact me today to get started.

As the expression goes, if you think hiring a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur. Do not make the costly mistake of hiring an offshore, fly-by-night, and possibly illegal online “service” to move your company. Where will they be when something goes wrong? . . . Hire an experienced attorney and CPA, knowing you are working with a credentialed professional with a brick-and-mortar office.
— Prof. Chad D. Cummings, CPA, Esq. (emphasis added)

Attorney and CPA

/Meet Chad D. Cummings

Picture of attorney wearing suit and tie

I am an attorney and Certified Public Accountant serving clients throughout Florida and Texas.

Previously, I served in operations and finance with the world’s largest accounting firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers), airline (American Airlines), and bank (JPMorgan Chase & Co.). I have also created and advised a variety of start-up ventures.

I am a member of The Florida Bar and the State Bar of Texas, and I hold active CPA licensure in both of those jurisdictions.

I also hold undergraduate (B.B.A.) and graduate (M.S.) degrees in accounting and taxation, respectively, from one of the premier universities in Texas. I earned my Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees from Florida law schools. I also hold a variety of other accounting, tax, and finance credentials which I apply in my law practice for the benefit of my clients.

My practice emphasizes, but is not limited to, the law as it intersects businesses and their owners. Clients appreciate the confluence of my business acumen from my career before law, my technical accounting and financial knowledge, and the legal insights and expertise I wield as an attorney. I live and work in Naples, Florida and represent clients throughout the great states of Florida and Texas.

If I can be of assistance, please email me at chad@cummings.law, or click here to set up a meeting.