Outside General Counsel

Many start-ups and small businesses often require advice on a wide range of legal issues, but they are not yet ready to hire a full time in-house lawyer.  I satisfy the legal needs of these clients by acting as their outside general counsel at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time, executive-level general counsel or relying exclusively on law firm counsel.  Having an engaged and dedicated outside general counsel ensures that my clients have an attorney that understands their businesses and takes ownership of the legal issues they face.  As the top legal executive for two highly successful multi-national companies, I am intimately familiar with the legal issues faced by growing businesses.  Further, this experience has enabled me to anticipate the legal risks my clients are likely to encounter, and to develop strategies for addressing those risks before they reach critical stages.  In addition, by acquiring a deep and extensive knowledge of my clients’ businesses, I can provide legal support consistent with their needs and budgets.  Whether dealing with corporate governance issues, negotiating a contractual relationship with a new distributor or customer, addressing the termination of an employee or providing advice on how to minimize the expenses associated with a lawsuit, I work proactively with my clients as an integral part of their business team to effectively and efficiently manage the legal issues affecting their growing businesses.  Examples of the type of outside general counsel services I provide include:

  • General legal advice and strategy
  • Reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
  • Business formation and structure
  • Corporate governance, including board and shareholder resolutions/consents, directors/shareholder meetings and minutes
  • Counseling officers and directors on fiduciary duties
  • Intellectual property protection, including implementation of anti-counterfeiting programs
  • Employment matters, including hiring, NDA’s, non-competes, retention and termination
  • Lease drafting and negotiation
  • Real property transactions
  • Risk analysis
  • Advice regarding insurance coverage disputes
  • Selecting, retaining and serving as liaison with local counsel, as needed
  • Dispute resolution
  • Advice regarding regulatory compliance
  • Negotiating fee agreements with outside legal counsel/law firms
  • Trademark/copyright registration, enforcement and counseling