Every company needs legal advice from time to time. Most managers are unsure
about the management of the relationship with a business lawyer. The lawyer
needs to identify to you the information you need to know to make your business
decision according to your values and business acumen. Lawyers are paid to
advise, but beware of the lawyer who gives business advice not legal advice.
Therefore, it is misleading and unwise to ask a lawyer for specific legal advice
and then ask for general business advice.
It is reasonable for you to expect that the lawyer is familiar with the area
of law in which you have an inquiry and will not be charging you for research
that is essentially basic information about the topic that an experienced
lawyer should know.
You should have a written fee agreement with the lawyer. You should
understand the fees and costs associated with what you are asking before the
service is performed, and if there is a change the lawyer should give you notice
of that change immediately. Rejoice if a lawyer you are dealing with wants to
know more about your business without charging you for that time. There is
nothing wrong with dealing with more than one lawyer, each with expertise in
different areas. This will help you create a thoughtful structure for receiving
legal advice and understand what you like and do not like about the various
relationships.