I recognize that most businesses cannot afford a full-time lawyer as their general counsel while at the same time they require prompt and reliable legal advice at a predictable cost to reduce risk and unnecessary overhead.
I also understand that in providing legal services to small businesses there are opposing interests. A small business needs sound and timely legal advice to manage risk and avoid business disputes and litigation. Lawyers, on the other hand, typically work on an hourly basis and benefit from lengthy and costly litigation. Small businesses also need to be able to predict and reliably budget for legal services. Dedicating my career to small businesses, I understand their needs and the importance of the bottom line. My Outside General Counsel Program is intended to meet these needs and concerns of small business owners and allow them to budget for legal services on a regular basis.
How the Outside General Counsel Program Works
As part of my general counsel program, I will invest time to meet with you to learn the fundamentals of your business. I will also review your basic governance documents (Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Shareholder Agreements or LLC Operating Agreement). I will then provide you with prompt legal advice on an agreed range of topics on a fixed fee basis. You will no longer have to put off calling a lawyer out of fear of starting the billable time meter.
What the Program Covers
The Program includes advice and consultation in the following areas of the law:
- Contract Review
Licensing agreements, vendor and supply agreements, distribution agreements and other commercial agreements.
- Real Estate
Real estate purchases and sales and commercial leases.
- Intellectual Property
Securing and protecting copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property.
- Employment Matters
Hiring, firing and retention of employees, and employee handbooks.
- Collections
Collection matters and demand letters.
- Corporate Governance
Board and shareholder resolutions and consents, board meetings, shareholder meetings and meeting minutes.
- Capital Raises
Issuance of debt and equity securities, bank loans and credit facilities.
While I am prepared to handle mergers and acquisitions and other material transactions as well as disputes which have become subject to administrative filings, arbitration proceedings or court litigation, the Program does not cover such matters, and such matters would be covered by separate arrangements.
Fee Arrangements
I offer my Outside General Counsel Program on a flat fee basis typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per month depending upon the size and nature of your business. The Program allows you to have at your disposal an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer dedicated to your company’s legal issues. You are covered for contracts, leases, employment disputes and other basic legal services. I will, however, reserve the right to amend the flat fee amount after discussion with you if the amount of expected work changes substantially.