Why Your Business Needs a Retained Lawyer in Nigeria
Looking for a lawyer in Abuja or reliable legal services in Nigeria?
One of the most expensive mistakes individuals and businesses make is waiting until a legal problem has already occurred before consulting a lawyer.
By then, the contract may already have been signed.
The money may already have been transferred.
The property may already have been purchased.
The employee may already have left.
The business relationship may already have broken down.
The demand letter may already have arrived.
And suddenly, the question becomes:
“What can the lawyer do now?”
A better question is:
“What could the lawyer have helped me prevent?”
Legal Advice Should Be Part of Your Business Strategy
A lawyer should not only be someone you call when you are sued.
For businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and individuals, having access to a corporate lawyer, commercial lawyer or business lawyer in Nigeria can help identify legal risks before they become expensive disputes.
Before signing a contract, your lawyer can review its terms and identify obligations, liabilities and potential areas of dispute.
Before acquiring property, a property lawyer in Abuja can assist with appropriate legal due diligence.
Before entering a business partnership or investment, legal advice can help you understand the structure of the transaction and the risks involved.
Before terminating an employment relationship, legal advice can help you understand the applicable contractual and legal obligations.
And when a dispute arises, having an existing relationship with your solicitor means you do not have to start searching for legal representation from scratch.
What Is a Legal Retainer?
A legal retainer is an arrangement under which a client engages a law firm to provide agreed legal services on an ongoing basis for an agreed period and consideration.
The precise scope depends on the retainer agreement.
For a business, this may mean having a retained solicitor available to provide continuing legal advice, review documents, prepare legal correspondence, assist with negotiations, advise on disputes and help the business manage legal risks.
It is particularly useful for businesses that regularly enter contracts, employ staff, acquire or manage property, deal with customers and suppliers, negotiate commercial arrangements or face regulatory and dispute-related issues.
A retainer can therefore move your relationship with your lawyer from:
“I have a legal problem. I need a lawyer.”
to:
“I have a legal decision to make. Let me speak to my lawyer first.”
That difference can be significant.
What Can a Retained Lawyer Do for Your Business?
The scope of a legal retainer depends on the client’s requirements and the terms agreed with the law firm.
Depending on the engagement, ongoing legal services may include:
- Legal advice on business and commercial matters;
- Contract review and legal risk assessment;
- Drafting and reviewing legal correspondence;
- Negotiations and settlement discussions;
- Employment and workplace legal advice;
- Debt recovery matters;
- Dispute prevention and management;
- Corporate and regulatory advice;
- Property and real estate legal advice;
- Legal opinions;
- Pre-litigation advice and strategy;
- Representation in appropriate proceedings; and
- General legal risk management.
The important point is that the services should be clearly defined in the retainer agreement so that both the client and solicitor understand what is covered.
When Should You Engage a Lawyer?
The best time to engage a lawyer is not necessarily when you receive a court process.
Consider speaking with a lawyer when you are:
Starting a business.
Get legal advice on the structure, agreements, regulatory obligations and relationships that may affect the business.
Entering a major contract.
Have the agreement reviewed before you sign it—not after a dispute arises over its interpretation.
Buying or investing in property.
Legal due diligence can be critical before committing substantial funds to a property transaction.
Entering a partnership or business collaboration.
Understand your rights, obligations, liabilities and exit options before money or responsibilities change hands.
Employing people.
Employment relationships create legal obligations. Appropriate contracts, policies and procedures can help businesses manage those relationships properly.
Facing a dispute.
Early legal advice may help you understand your options before the dispute escalates into expensive litigation.
Managing significant business operations.
If your company routinely makes commercial decisions with legal consequences, having ongoing access to legal counsel can be more practical than repeatedly searching for a lawyer whenever an issue arises.
Legal Services for Businesses and Individuals in Abuja and Across Nigeria
At Olamide Oyetayo & Co., Solicitors & Advocates, we provide legal services to individuals, entrepreneurs, companies, investors and businesses.
Our legal services include corporate and commercial advisory, business law, property and real estate matters, dispute resolution, litigation and other legal services based on the client’s specific requirements.
We understand that different clients require different levels of legal support.
Some clients need a one-off legal consultation.
Some require assistance with a particular transaction or dispute.
Others need an ongoing legal relationship with a law firm that understands their business and can provide continuing legal support.
Our role is to provide the legal advice and representation appropriate to the engagement.
Why Use a Law Firm on Retainer?
For a growing business, having an established relationship with a law firm can provide continuity.
Your solicitor becomes familiar with your business, its operations, contracts, recurring legal issues and risk areas.
Instead of explaining your entire business history every time a new legal issue arises, you have an existing legal relationship within which new matters can be addressed.
A retainer can also give business owners a designated point of contact for legal questions before decisions are made.
And sometimes, the most valuable legal advice is the advice you receive before you make the decision.
Don’t Wait Until the Problem Becomes a Legal Emergency
A lawyer’s value is not limited to appearing in court.
A lawyer can help you understand a contract before signing it.
A lawyer can help you identify risks before investing your money.
A lawyer can help you structure a transaction.
A lawyer can advise you when a business relationship begins to deteriorate.
A lawyer can help you understand your options before commencing litigation.
And when litigation becomes necessary, your lawyer can advise you on the appropriate legal course.
Prevention, preparation and early legal advice can be just as important as litigation.
Need a Lawyer in Abuja or Ongoing Legal Support for Your Business?
If you are an entrepreneur, company director, investor, property owner, employer or individual who regularly deals with contracts, property, business transactions or disputes, you do not have to wait until a legal problem becomes serious before seeking legal advice.
Olamide Oyetayo & Co., Solicitors & Advocates provides legal services in Abuja and to clients across Nigeria, including legal consultations, corporate and commercial advisory, property-related legal services, dispute resolution, litigation and ongoing legal retainerships.
Whether you need a lawyer for a specific legal matter or are looking for a law firm to provide ongoing legal support to your business, we can discuss your requirements and determine the appropriate scope of engagement.
Your business should not only have an accountant.
It should not only have a banker.
It should not only have a business consultant.
It should have access to legal counsel.
Engage legal counsel before the problem becomes expensive.
Abuja | Lagos | Port Harcourt
For legal consultations, corporate and commercial matters, property transactions, dispute resolution, litigation and legal retainerships, contact the firm to discuss your legal needs