Running a business involves constant legal exposure — from contracts and employment issues to regulatory compliance and disputes. Many entrepreneurs delay seeking legal counsel until a problem has already become serious. Here are five signs you should pick up the phone today.

1. You Are Signing a Contract Without Legal Review. Every contract carries risk. Whether it is a supplier agreement, a lease, or a client services contract, a business attorney can identify hidden liabilities, unfavorable indemnification clauses, and ambiguous language that could cost you dearly in a dispute.

2. A Business Partner Wants Out. Partnership dissolutions are among the most contentious business disputes. If a co-founder or business partner is looking to exit, you need legal counsel to protect your ownership stake, enforce any buyout provisions, and ensure the business can continue operating.

3. You Have Received a Cease-and-Desist Letter. Whether it concerns trademark infringement, a non-compete violation, or defamation claims, a cease-and-desist letter is a serious legal warning. Ignoring it can result in litigation; responding incorrectly can make things worse. An attorney will assess the claim and formulate the right response.

4. You Are Expanding or Taking on Investors. Growth events — new markets, investors, equity arrangements — have significant legal implications. Proper documentation protects all parties and prevents disputes down the line.

5. An Employee or Customer Is Threatening to Sue. Do not wait for a lawsuit to be filed. Involve an attorney the moment you receive a credible legal threat so your response is legally sound from the start.