Usually, business owners rely on the advice of their in-house counsel, brokers, or managers for signing a commercial lease. Although their insights are of great importance but they can never replace the expertise of a commercial lease attorney. However, finding a good commercial lease attorney Los Angeles whom you can trust and who can protect you from bad contracts is far more difficult than finding a good commercial property. That’s why you need to be thoughtful about it.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the factors that you must consider when choosing a good commercial lease attorney near you for your business. From understanding your needs to knowing their role, this guide will help you in making informed decisions.
Before starting the guide let’s first understand some basic concepts.
A legal contract outlining the terms and conditions between a landlord and a tenant for renting a space for commercial purposes is called a commercial lease. It can vary in complexity and covers various types of properties, including offices, retail spaces, warehouses, and industrial facilities.
Who is a commercial lease attorney?
A type of real estate attorney who helps landlord and tenant navigate the commercial lease process is called a commercial lease attorney.
How to find a top commercial lease attorney near me?
Since commercial lease agreements are more complicated than their residential lease counterparts, many people choose to hire commercial lease attorneys to guide them through the process to make sure the agreements are mutually beneficial. However, not everyone is lucky enough to get a good commercial lease attorney. That’s why, in this blog, we’ll guide you regarding the important factors to consider so that you can get the best legal partner for your business.
1. Identify your needs
Before starting the search, it’s important to understand what you need from a commercial lease attorney. Ask yourself questions like: am I looking for someone to simply review legal documents, negotiate lease terms, or provide ongoing legal advice? This way, you can easily narrow down your list, ensuring you get tailored and effective legal support.
2. Choose a lawyer who specializes in commercial lease real estate
Next, look for attorneys who specialize in commercial leases and have experience working with businesses like yours so they can expertly handle any complexities. For evaluating an attorney’s specializations, look for the following information: how many leases have they drafted in the past? What types of leases have they worked on—commercial gross, net, or others?
3. Assess experience & expertise
While many attorneys have a general understanding of business leases, you should ensure your lawyer has in-depth knowledge of commercial leases to have strong legal support. Look for someone who can handle a variety of legal issues, including:
- Contract formation and negotiation
- Lease review
- Financing agreements
- Tenant concerns
- Constructive evictions
- Contract remedies
- Renewal negotiations
4. Check who you’ll be working with
When you hire a law firm, it’s important to feel comfortable with the person or team that will be working directly on your case. It’s common for law firms to have senior attorneys who oversee cases but delegate tasks to associates. Make sure you understand how the firm operates and who will handle your legal matters on a day-to-day basis. Don’t hesitate to ask for senior assistance if you are not satisfied.
5. See reviews
Just like any important business decision, doing your research is key. Start by checking online reviews and testimonials from previous clients. These insights can provide a good sense of an attorney’s professionalism, responsiveness, and success rate. A highly recommended attorney is more likely to meet your needs and help you avoid potential pitfalls.
6. Always understand costs & billing
The key is to find a good commercial lease attorney near you who fits your budget but shouldn’t be cheap, so you don’t have to compromise on expertise. Before starting, always discuss the firm’s billing method to avoid future misunderstandings and surprises. Ask them during the initial consultation if there is a flat fee for their services or if it is solely based on hourly billing to know whether their fees align with your budget or not.
7. Communication & accessibility of the attorney
Look for a lawyer who listens to your concerns, explains legalities, and keeps you updated throughout the pro. But don’t confuse it with the fact that they should always have time to attend your business meetings or have in-person discussions. The attorneys should be accessible to you and have good communication with your team to keep everyone on the same page.
8. Knowledge of local laws and regulations
Another important factor to consider is their understanding and expertise in local laws and regulations. They should have a good grip on legislation regarding commercial leases, especially in zoning regulations and building codes, and stay updated on current amendments and industry trends.
Local knowledge goes beyond just understanding the laws; it includes familiarity with local customs and practices in the industry. A lawyer who knows how things operate in your state can help you avoid potential pitfalls and take advantage of opportunities unique to the area. They may even have established relationships with certain landlords or tenants, which can make negotiations smoother and more effective.
9. Schedule a consultation
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule a consultation with the commercial lease attorney near you who matches your needs. Pay attention to how they communicate. Do they listen to you carefully? Do they ask relevant questions? Are they clear about their process and what you can expect? A productive consultation can be a strong indicator of how well you’ll work together moving forward.
Hire a commercial lease attorney today
When it comes to finding the right space for your business, don’t navigate the process alone. At Marinaccio Law, our experienced commercial lease attorneys near you are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need assistance drafting or reviewing your lease agreement, clarifying terms, or resolving disputes, we’ve got your back.
We understand the unique challenges that businesses face in the commercial real estate world. Our team has extensive knowledge of commercial real estate law and is dedicated to providing smart, effective solutions tailored to your needs. From representing landlords and tenants to handling issues like repairs and maintenance or compliance with the new acts, we’re committed to safeguarding your business interests.
Ready to get started?
Give us a call at (818-619 3734) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you set your business up for success!
