Sharing a professional space can be an economical way to conduct business. Reducing overhead costs can go a long way. However, there are some considerations that should be taken into account when determining if office space sharing is the right means to conduct business.
If you have questions about space sharing in California, the Los Angeles space-sharing lawyers at Leiva Law Firm can help you enter into a space-sharing agreement while also protecting your rights in the process. It is important that when you decide space sharing is right for you, you completely understand not only the advantages but also the drawbacks. Armed with such knowledge you and your attorney at Leiva Law Firm can review or write a space-sharing agreement that will work for you and also safeguard you should your plans not work out the way you thought they would.
Sharing a Space with Another Professional
When you are a solo practitioner or professional, sharing a space with another practice or firm that is similar to yours may seem attractive and a good way to get your business going. There are some things, though, to think about when setting up such a relationship.
First, it is important that clients or patients coming into a space know that you are distinct and separate from the other individuals who use the space. In this way, a patient or client knows that they are at a specific location to see one particular professional and not just anyone that they run into when they arrive at the office.
Next, establishing that you are separate from others who work in the space reduces your liability. Should a patient or client have a bad experience for any reason and want to file a claim, you don’t want to be tangled up in a legal dispute that has nothing to do with you but can adversely affect you and your career.
To further distance yourself from others who work in the same space, limiting the use of certain spaces, like shared common spaces, for business reasons can further protect the interactions you have with your patients or clients away from others who work in the office.
Additional aspects that should be ironed out in a space-sharing agreement would include:
- How to pay for and handle the purchase of supplies.
- Will certain employees like front desk or admin professionals be shared?
- How trade secrets will be protected.
- Computer access and privacy, HIPPA regulations.
- How to manage a shared lease and issues that can arise with a landlord.
- Protecting referrals and new clients/patients.
- Use of signage and advertising.
Office sharing has its benefits. However, before jumping into such an arrangement it is important to take the time to understand everything that goes into space sharing and how to enter into an agreement that helps you protect yourself legally while also gaining the most from your situation.
Speak to an Attorney at Leiva Law Firm Today
For assistance with a space-sharing agreement and to learn more about whether it is right for your business, you are welcome to call a Los Angeles business lawyer at Leiva Law Firm at (818) 519-4465. Initial consultations are complimentary.
