The Top 3 Legal Mistakes Online Business Owners Should Avoid with Attorney Paige Griffith, J.D. of The Legal Paige

Keep your business legally legit with this week’s guest, Paige Griffith, J.D. of The Legal Paige, a virtual law firm working with online businesses and wedding industry professionals. After working as a federal law clerk, Paige traded in the traditional law life for a virtual one, helping big name clients like Jasmine Star run legal and protected businesses. My favorite takeaways from my conversation with Paige are the common legal mistakes in starting an online business and the top three must-dos to cover your bases, what kinds of questions to ask when hiring an attorney and how to make the most of an attorney’s time when you’re on a limited budget, the profitable reason to consider trademarking, and how traditional brick and mortar service providers can transition into attracting clients online. Listen in for the insider scoop and check out thelegalpaige.com/shop for industry specific contract templates that keep your online business protected, without the hefty price tag! You can use my code ELLEN to save an extra 10% off.

Listen To This Episode

 Favorite Takeaways From This Episode

• Don’t be afraid to lean into your curiosity when it comes to your passions. 
• There is a huge difference in online law practice vs. in person law practice when it comes to business owners & knowing what they actually need for an online business, and it's important to know the difference.
• The most common mistakes in starting an online business: not understanding your business structure, and registering correctly in your state & county, not knowing when to register your business with a state as an LLC- when you have enough client & income to separate personal and business finances, and not knowing how to use a contract properly, what it says, etc.
• Another big mistake is not knowing the legality behind a website.You need terms and conditions & if you’re taking personal info, you have to have a privacy policy.
• If you’re certified in anything, you need to have a disclaimer. 
• When you're providing a service, download a contract template from an actual lawyer.
• Things to consider with website legality: terms & conditions, privacy policies, and opt in forms need to have check boxes to agree to subscribe.
• It’s important to make sure your website terms and conditions and privacy policy are specific to your niche and industry.
• Lawyers give a free consultation most of the time. 
• Prepare ahead of time for what you’d like to discuss.
• Be prepared for legal jargon. Don’t just sit there and listen. Stop them immediately, and ask for clarification.
• When you’re starting out, look for a flat rate. A flat rate is a better deal than hourly.
• At about six figures and above, you’re looking at custom work because liability is far more risky, which would be hourly for an attorney.
• When you contract out other services, a lawyer should be considered as an addition to your team.
• You can and should trademark a brand name any time it begins generating clout in an industry.
• Registration of a trademark is crucial for making money from your trademark.
• Invest in learning social media and getting online
• Get a coach or mentor to help you, know how to use online platforms, and take updated classes.
• Do not be afraid to invest in yourself & your education.

What Did You Think?

What is something you need a lawyer's help with when it comes to your business? Leave a comment below.