5 Tips for Finding The Right Legal Partner for Your Business

Finding a great legal partner isn’t always straightforward. Do you hire a solicitor? Sign up for a legal service? Grab a contract template and hope for the best? And how do you know you’re getting the right advice - without the costs spiralling out of control? 

I’ve been there. As a business owner myself, legal always felt like something I should have sorted, but I kept putting it off. Not because I didn’t see the value, but because the process felt confusing, expensive, and more complicated than it needed to be. And I wasn’t alone. I’ve spoken to countless business owners who avoid legal support simply because they don’t know where to start. 

If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll share what to look for in a legal partner, what to avoid, and how to find a service that actually fits the way you do business.

How to find legal support that fits your business

If you’ve ever felt like commercial legal services weren’t built with small businesses in mind, you’re not wrong. Hourly billing makes costs unpredictable, legal jargon makes advice harder to apply, and too many law firms cater to big corporations rather than growing businesses. But legal shouldn’t be something you avoid until there’s a crisis. The right legal partner should feel like an extension of your team - a resource you can turn to for guidance, not just an emergency fix. 

So, how do you find legal support that works for the way you do business? Start with these 5 tips:

• Legal services should be a business asset, not a last resort

Nothing makes business owners hesitate to call a lawyer more than the fear of unpredictable billing. I’ve felt the sting - needing legal advice but holding off because I wasn’t sure if a quick conversation would cost me £100 or £1,000. 
 If you can’t forecast your legal spend, you risk derailing your cash flow or avoiding legal advice altogether.  

A legal partner who offers fixed fees removes that barrier. When you know your costs upfront, you’re more likely to tackle issues head-on instead of kicking them down the road.  

Before you commit to any provider, ask: Do they give transparent pricing? Can you plan your budget without fear of hidden charges? If the billing model makes you nervous, keep looking. 

• Grow your business, not your risks

Ever gotten advice that was legally accurate but not at all helpful for actually running your business? Too many solicitors focus on what you can’t do without offering practical solutions. That’s a roadblock, not a partnership.  

 A great legal partner will tailor their advice to support your business goals. They’ll balance risk management with opportunities for growth. They’ll help you move forward with confidence rather than leaving you feeling like your hands are tied.  

 Ask yourself: Do they understand my business model and future plans, or are they just ticking legal boxes? Legal support should propel you forward, not hold you back.  

• Legal advice should be simple, not make your head spin

Have you ever walked away from a meeting with a lawyer and felt like you needed a translator? Legal jargon can be off-putting - and if you don’t fully understand the advice, it’s not really advice at all.  

 Look for a legal partner who communicates clearly. They should be able to break down complex issues into straightforward options, helping you make the best decisions for your business. If you’re sifting through pages of fine print just to find one actionable sentence, that’s a red flag.  

 Before you commit, pay attention to how they explain things. Are they speaking in plain English? If not, you’ll likely spend more time deciphering language than making smart moves for your business. If their advice leaves you more confused than when you started, they might not be the right fit. 

• Pick a pro who gets your industry
  

Not all legal providers cater to SMEs. Some work almost exclusively with massive corporations or specialise in niche areas that might not match your needs. A lawyer who doesn’t understand your day-to-day operations won’t provide advice that lines up with your real-world challenges.  

When assessing a legal partner, consider their track record with businesses like yours. Have they navigated similar industry issues? Do they offer practical insights into your market, or do they rely on generic templates? The more they understand your sector, the more relevant their advice will be.  

• Don't wait for answers. You deserve 'real-time' access
  

One of the biggest frustrations with traditional legal services is the wait. You have a burning question, but by the time you get a reply, the opportunity (or crisis) may have passed.  

A legal partner that’s truly in your corner will be easy to reach, proactive about checking in, and committed to meeting your timelines - not theirs. Whether it’s a dedicated portal, same-day callbacks, or scheduled weekly check-ins, having direct access to your solicitor helps you stay ahead of issues.  

If they’re impossible to nail down when you need them most, that’s a deal-breaker. Your business moves fast, and your legal support should too.  

Commercial legal support is an investment, not just an expense

Most people think of legal as a last resort - an expense to be avoided until something goes wrong. In reality, a proper legal partner can give you the confidence to scale, negotiate from a position of strength, and map out future growth without worrying about legal roadblocks.  

If you only seek advice when things have already hit the fan, you’re missing the bigger benefits. The right legal partner helps you plan for the best and prepare for the worst, so you can make bold decisions without constantly looking over your shoulder.  

The right legal partner makes running and growing your business easier

Traditional law firms are often structured around their own processes rather than yours. But it doesn’t have to be that way. A legal great legal partner with predictable fees, an understanding of your goals, plain-English communication, industry experience, and fast response times can make a world of difference.  
 
But the good news. There are smarter, more accessible and cost-effective options out there.