Quick Survey for Internet Marketers

Hi, Anna,

Define 'qualified'.

That might seem a stupid thing to say but one thing I have learned through having to deal with lawyers throughout most of my life is that it is not the lawyer that you need to concern yourself with - it is his office manager and support staff.

I am always uneasy when I call a lawyer for an appointment and he is available at fairly short notice (say, a few days).

The best legal service I have ever had has been from the support staff. They are usually quite honest when it comes to stating whether the problem I have or the advice I need is within the expertise of the lawyer or within the type of law that they will be able to research effectively.

What would I get one to help me with? Not a great deal. Since most of internet marketing is covered by Commercial Law rather than Criminal Law, information is easily obtained and doesn't change that rapidly.

I simply have gotten around to it yet. But I think it might be time for it soon. I'm working on securing a contract with a larger chain of sportsgoods and it's probably a good idea to let a lawyer help me draw up the paperwork.

Same here, simply haven't got around to it. And, I think I perceive the cost to be greater than it actually is. Anyone tried any online lawyer services?

I heard a brilliant interview with an Internet Marketer the other day who answered a question on how to make sure every legal aspects are in place when doing a joint venture or making a business agreement.

He stated that he always just used to state the terms in his emails, and have the other part agree in a reply. He said he was no expert, but believed that is equally legally binding as long and complicated contracts. What do you think?

I dont think i need to studied business law as part of my degree at uni and have a self employed background so not a big deal to me

Thanks for the replies.

@artwebster - by "qualified" I mean qualified to assist you with the problem at hand, whatever that is. I deliberately used that word because it's fairly easy to hire any old lawyer, but hiring someone who is specifically qualified to help you with your matter may not be so straightforward. For example, I might have a tougher time finding a lawyer who is an expert in domain name litigation than someone who can handle my conveyancing (property transfer here in Australia).

From this feedback (including the fact that few have responded) it seems as though Internet marketers don't feel a burning desire to hire a lawyer to help them in their business.

That's interesting because the more I develop as a business person, marketer and lawyer... the more I see the need for legal assistance. Whether it's establishing the best corporate/trust structures for asset protection and tax planning... protecting our Intellectual property... or doing deals with other businesses.

I wonder if this is a function of lawyers not educating marketers about how they can actually help them in their businesses i.e. not just cost them, but help them boost, say, after-tax returns, the upside in the deals they do, and the value of their businesses, as well as reduce risks and potential costs.