Running a business is like keeping several plates spinning at the same time. Numerous things continuously require your attention, not the least of which are various legal matters.
For small to mid-sized businesses that may not have the resources to employ full-time, in-house counsel, dealing with legal concerns can quickly take their toll. Business owners may attempt to resolve legal matters on their own, taking their attention away from the rest of the company. A business owner may overlook small things or inadequately address a legal problem. This can quickly have a snowball effect with disastrous consequences.
Outside counsel can address a wide range of issues
The best way to help you meet your company’s legal needs is to work with outside general counsel. Outside counsel can help ensure that the legal side of your business is a well-oiled machine. Some of the things outside counsel can be tasked with include:
- Ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations
- Help with human resources matters, such as wage and hour law, and occupational safety
- Help with employment agreements
- Handling of mergers and acquisitions
Should your business become involved in a legal dispute, outside counsel can take steps to avoid costly litigation. If a battle in court is inevitable, outside counsel can help ensure you’re well-prepared to take on whatever comes your way.
Flexible and agile legal services
By relying on outside counsel, your business receives the benefit of legal services only when you need them. You will not be paying a lawyer’s full-time salary, wondering what type of benefit you’re receiving. This also avoids the need to have one person who may or may not have a legal background tasked with handling all conceivable legal matters.
When looking for outside legal counsel, ensure that the firm you are hiring has the breadth of experience necessary to meet your business’s legal needs.
Outside counsel will likely not have all of the answers to the vast array of legal issues with which a company has to contend. However, they should have the resources available to point you in the direction needed to resolve your issues.