Starting and running a small business can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its share of legal complexities. Navigating the legal landscape can feel overwhelming, especially for entrepreneurs who are already juggling numerous responsibilities. That’s where a skilled small business attorney comes in.
A good small business attorney is more than just a legal advisor; they are a trusted partner who can guide you through every stage of your business journey, from formation to growth and beyond. They can help you draft contracts, protect your intellectual property, navigate regulatory compliance, and resolve legal disputes.
Finding the right legal counsel is crucial for your business’s success. But with so many attorneys out there, it can be challenging to know where to start. To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of 33 top-rated small business attorneys across English-speaking countries, categorized by specialty and location. This list is a starting point, and we encourage you to conduct further research to find the attorney best suited for your specific needs.
General Small Business Law
These attorneys provide a wide range of services to small businesses, including business formation, contract drafting, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.
United States
1. Law Offices of David J. Wine (California)
David Wine is a seasoned legal professional specializing in business law, with a strong focus on serving the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He offers a comprehensive range of legal services, encompassing business formation, contract negotiation, intellectual property protection, and dispute resolution. David’s reputation for providing practical and cost-effective legal advice has earned him the trust of numerous businesses in the California region.
2. Law Offices of Kevin J. McCarthy (New York)
Kevin McCarthy’s expertise in business law is highly regarded in the New York legal community. He assists entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of starting, managing, and growing their businesses, providing guidance on matters such as business formation, contracts, intellectual property, and employment law. Kevin is known for his client-centric approach, prioritizing clear communication and understanding to ensure his clients’ legal needs are met.
3. Johnson & Bell (Illinois)
Johnson & Bell is a renowned law firm with a strong reputation for its expertise in various legal areas, including business law. The firm’s attorneys possess extensive experience in representing small businesses across a wide range of industries, providing them with legal guidance on matters such as business formation, contract review, intellectual property, and litigation. Their commitment to delivering high-quality legal services has earned them recognition and trust in the Illinois business community.
Canada
4. Miller Thomson LLP (Ontario)
Miller Thomson LLP is a leading Canadian law firm with a dedicated team of business lawyers who provide comprehensive legal services to small and medium-sized enterprises. Their expertise encompasses business formation, contract drafting, intellectual property, employment law, and commercial litigation. Miller Thomson LLP’s commitment to client satisfaction and its depth of legal knowledge make it a valuable resource for businesses operating in Ontario.
5. Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP (British Columbia)
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP is a prominent Canadian law firm with a strong presence in British Columbia. Their business law group offers a wide range of services, including business formation, commercial transactions, intellectual property, and dispute resolution. The firm’s deep understanding of the legal landscape in British Columbia and its commitment to client-focused solutions make it a trusted partner for businesses in the region.
United Kingdom
6. Stephenson Harwood LLP (London)
Stephenson Harwood LLP is a well-established law firm in the United Kingdom, with a strong reputation for its expertise in business law. Their team of experienced attorneys provides comprehensive legal guidance to small businesses on matters such as business formation, contracts, intellectual property, and dispute resolution. Stephenson Harwood LLP’s international reach and its commitment to delivering high-quality legal services make it a valuable resource for businesses operating in the UK and beyond.
7. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (London)
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is a global law firm with a significant presence in London. Their business law team is renowned for its expertise in advising small and medium-sized enterprises on a wide range of legal matters, including business formation, commercial transactions, intellectual property, and dispute resolution. Freshfields’ commitment to client service and its deep understanding of the UK legal landscape make it a trusted partner for businesses in the region.
Australia
8. Allens (Sydney)
Allens is one of Australia’s leading law firms, with a dedicated team of business lawyers who provide a wide range of services to small businesses. Their expertise encompasses business formation, contracts, intellectual property, employment law, and dispute resolution. Allens’ strong track record and its deep understanding of the Australian legal landscape make it a valuable resource for businesses operating in the country.
9. Clayton Utz (Melbourne)
Clayton Utz is another leading Australian law firm with a strong focus on providing legal services to small businesses. Their business law team offers a comprehensive range of services, including business formation, contract drafting, intellectual property, employment law, and dispute resolution. Clayton Utz’s commitment to client satisfaction and its deep understanding of the Australian legal environment make it a trusted partner for businesses in the country.
Intellectual Property Law
These attorneys specialize in protecting your business’s valuable intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
United States
10. Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP (Washington, D.C.)
Finnegan is a leading intellectual property law firm with a global reach. Their attorneys have extensive experience in securing and enforcing intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights. The firm’s deep knowledge of the US intellectual property landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to protect their valuable assets.
11. McDermott Will & Emery (Chicago)
McDermott Will & Emery is a global law firm with a strong intellectual property practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including trademark and patent prosecution, litigation, and licensing. The firm’s deep understanding of intellectual property law and its commitment to client satisfaction make it a trusted partner for businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property rights.
12. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP (New York)
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan is a global law firm with a reputation for its expertise in intellectual property litigation. Their attorneys have extensive experience in representing clients in complex intellectual property disputes, including trademark infringement, patent infringement, and copyright infringement. The firm’s commitment to client success and its deep knowledge of intellectual property law make it a valuable resource for businesses facing intellectual property challenges.
Canada
13. Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (Toronto)
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is a leading Canadian law firm with a strong intellectual property practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including trademark and patent prosecution, litigation, and licensing. The firm’s deep understanding of the Canadian intellectual property landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property rights.
14. Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Vancouver)
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is a leading Canadian law firm with a strong intellectual property practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including trademark and patent prosecution, litigation, and licensing. The firm’s deep understanding of the Canadian intellectual property landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property rights.
United Kingdom
15. Bird & Bird LLP (London)
Bird & Bird LLP is a global law firm with a strong intellectual property practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including trademark and patent prosecution, litigation, and licensing. The firm’s deep understanding of the UK intellectual property landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property rights.
16. D Young & Co LLP (London)
D Young & Co LLP is a leading UK law firm specializing in intellectual property. Their attorneys have extensive experience in securing and enforcing intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights. The firm’s deep knowledge of the UK intellectual property landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to protect their valuable assets.
Australia
17. Freehills (Sydney)
Freehills is a leading Australian law firm with a strong intellectual property practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including trademark and patent prosecution, litigation, and licensing. The firm’s deep understanding of the Australian intellectual property landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property rights.
18. Gilbert + Tobin (Melbourne)
Gilbert + Tobin is a leading Australian law firm with a strong intellectual property practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including trademark and patent prosecution, litigation, and licensing. The firm’s deep understanding of the Australian intellectual property landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property rights.
Employment Law
These attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of employment law, including hiring, termination, and compliance with labor regulations.
United States
19. Littler Mendelson, P.C. (San Francisco)
Littler Mendelson is a global law firm with a strong focus on employment and labor law. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including hiring, termination, compliance with labor regulations, and dispute resolution. The firm’s deep understanding of the US employment law landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of employment law.
20. Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP (New York)
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP is a global law firm with a strong employment and labor practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including hiring, termination, compliance with labor regulations, and dispute resolution. The firm’s deep understanding of the US employment law landscape and its commitment to client satisfaction make it a trusted partner for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of employment law.
21. Baker McKenzie (Chicago)
Baker McKenzie is a global law firm with a strong employment and labor practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including hiring, termination, compliance with labor regulations, and dispute resolution. The firm’s deep understanding of the US employment law landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of employment law.
Canada
22. Heenan Blaikie LLP (Montreal)
Heenan Blaikie LLP is a leading Canadian law firm with a strong employment and labor practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including hiring, termination, compliance with labor regulations, and dispute resolution. The firm’s deep understanding of the Canadian employment law landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of employment law.
23. Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (Toronto)
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP is a leading Canadian law firm with a strong employment and labor practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including hiring, termination, compliance with labor regulations, and dispute resolution. The firm’s deep understanding of the Canadian employment law landscape and its commitment to client satisfaction make it a trusted partner for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of employment law.
United Kingdom
24. Lewis Silkin LLP (London)
Lewis Silkin LLP is a leading UK law firm specializing in employment law. Their attorneys have extensive experience in advising businesses on all aspects of employment law, including hiring, termination, compliance with labor regulations, and dispute resolution. The firm’s deep knowledge of the UK employment law landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of employment law.
25. Eversheds Sutherland (London)
Eversheds Sutherland is a global law firm with a strong employment and labor practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including hiring, termination, compliance with labor regulations, and dispute resolution. The firm’s deep understanding of the UK employment law landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of employment law.
Australia
26. MinterEllison (Sydney)
MinterEllison is a leading Australian law firm with a strong employment and labor practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including hiring, termination, compliance with labor regulations, and dispute resolution. The firm’s deep understanding of the Australian employment law landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of employment law.
27. Herbert Smith Freehills (Melbourne)
Herbert Smith Freehills is a global law firm with a strong employment and labor practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including hiring, termination, compliance with labor regulations, and dispute resolution. The firm’s deep understanding of the Australian employment law landscape and its commitment to client satisfaction make it a trusted partner for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of employment law.
Business Formation and Contracts
These attorneys can help you with the legal aspects of setting up your business, drafting contracts, and negotiating agreements.
United States
28. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (Palo Alto)
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is a leading law firm specializing in corporate and technology law. Their attorneys have extensive experience in advising businesses on all aspects of business formation, including choosing the right entity structure, drafting contracts, and negotiating agreements. The firm’s deep knowledge of the US business law landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for startups and growing businesses.
29. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (New York)
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is a global law firm with a strong corporate practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including business formation, contract drafting, and corporate finance. The firm’s deep understanding of the US business law landscape and its commitment to client satisfaction make it a trusted partner for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of business formation and contracts.
Canada
30. Stikeman Elliott LLP (Toronto)
Stikeman Elliott LLP is a leading Canadian law firm with a strong corporate practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including business formation, contract drafting, and corporate finance. The firm’s deep understanding of the Canadian business law landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of business formation and contracts.
31. Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (Montreal)
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is a leading Canadian law firm with a strong corporate practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including business formation, contract drafting, and corporate finance. The firm’s deep understanding of the Canadian business law landscape and its commitment to client satisfaction make it a trusted partner for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of business formation and contracts.
United Kingdom
32. Allen & Overy LLP (London)
Allen & Overy LLP is a global law firm with a strong corporate practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including business formation, contract drafting, and corporate finance. The firm’s deep understanding of the UK business law landscape and its commitment to client success make it a valuable resource for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of business formation and contracts.
33. Clifford Chance LLP (London)
Clifford Chance LLP is a global law firm with a strong corporate practice. Their attorneys provide a full range of services, including business formation, contract drafting, and corporate finance. The firm’s deep understanding of the UK business law landscape and its commitment to client satisfaction make it a trusted partner for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of business formation and contracts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right small business attorney is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business’s success. By considering your specific needs and carefully evaluating the expertise and reputation of potential legal counsel, you can find a trusted partner to guide you through the legal complexities of your business journey.
The attorneys listed above represent a diverse range of legal expertise and locations, offering valuable insights and support for small businesses across English-speaking countries. Remember that this list is a starting point, and we encourage you to conduct further research and seek referrals to find the attorney best suited for your unique circumstances. With the right legal counsel, you can navigate the legal landscape with confidence and focus on building a successful and thriving business.
Leave a Reply