This means that you can be looking for lawyers or attorneys to do a few things often. However, it would be prudent to note that hiring an in-house general counsel may not be feasible or cost-effective for your company.
In that case, you may want to consider hiring an outside general counsel who can provide you with legal services on an as-needed basis. But how do you choose the right outside general counsel for your business? Here are some factors to consider:
Expertise
When hiring or looking for legal assistance, the most important thing to watch out for is the company’s or person’s experience and expertise. You want to hire someone who has relevant knowledge and skills in your industry and the legal issues that you face.
For example, if you are a tech startup you may need an outside general counsel who is familiar with intellectual property, data privacy, and venture capital. You can check their credentials, portfolios, and references to assess their qualifications.
Accessibility
You want to hire someone who can respond to your legal needs promptly. You also want to have clear and frequent communication with them, whether it is by phone, email, or video conference. You can ask them about their workload, schedule, and preferred mode of communication to ensure that they can meet your expectations.
Cost and Value
You should hire someone who can provide you with high-quality legal services at a reasonable price. You must have a clear understanding of the scope and terms of the engagement, such as the deliverables, deadlines, and fees.
You can compare their proposal with other options and negotiate the best deal for your business.
Overall Personality
Hire someone compatible with your business culture. Ensure that you have a good rapport and trust with them as they will be representing your interests and advising you on important decisions.
Reputation
Go for someone with a good track record and positive feedback from their previous or current clients. You can check their online profile, ratings, and testimonials to see what others have to say about their work. You can also ask for referrals from your network or industry peers who have used their services before.
Flexibility
The council must adjust to your changing needs and preferences as your business grows and evolves. You also want to have a long-term relationship with them as they will have a better understanding of your business goals and challenges.
You can ask the legal counsel about their willingness and ability to handle different types of legal matters, projects, and situations.
Hiring an outside general counsel can be a smart and strategic move for your business, as it can save you time, money, and hassle. However, you need to do your homework and consider various factors before making a final decision. By following the tips above you can find the best outside general counsel for your business.
