Contact CBJ

How Outside General Counsel Benefits Your Business Growth?

By Roberta Silverglate, California Business Journal

At some point throughout their growth cycle, businesses frequently wonder if they need legal help. For example, the company might find that the contract forms it has been using don’t address issues it has encountered, or it might have more contracts than it has ever had. It might also need to look into financing options, buy real estate or expand its operations, or experience problems hiring and firing staff. An organization should employ an outside general counsel with the expertise to help with a range of legal and business concerns when, as is the case for many firms, hiring a dedicated in-house counsel is not a realistic or economical answer.

Recognizing the Function of Outside General Counsel

Most companies want dependable legal counsel as well as a partner who takes the time to understand them and their operations. They can access a knowledgeable and experienced team of lawyers who genuinely care about their clients’ success by collaborating with an outside general counsel team. This arrangement for external counsel does not require full-time involvement; it offers ongoing advice on regulatory issues, compliance issues, and other services that are similar to those offered by in-house counsel.

Employing a team like this helps companies meet their diverse needs without incurring the expenses of hiring full-time employees. Businesses can benefit from the vast knowledge of outside general counsel in guiding their regulatory compliance and providing them with legal assistance. In addition to research and analysis of business-related topics, they can offer services including employment legal advice, contract evaluation and negotiation (particularly for commercial contracts), and risk management for business expansion.

Cost Efficiency

Hiring a full-time, in-house legal team can be a substantial financial burden for many businesses, especially startups and small to medium-sized enterprises. Outsourcing legal services to an outside general counsel can provide significant cost savings. You pay for legal assistance as-needed basis, eliminating the need for salaries, benefits, and office space. This cost efficiency allows you to allocate more resources to your core business activities, promoting growth.

Access to Expertise

Outside general counsel firms typically consist of experienced attorneys with diverse legal expertise. It means you gain access to a wide range of legal knowledge and skills without needing to hire multiple specialists. Whether you need assistance with contract law, intellectual property, employment law, or regulatory compliance, your outside general counsel can provide the necessary expertise to navigate complex legal issues effectively.

Risk Mitigation

Sustaining corporate growth requires effective risk management. Outside general counsel can help identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. By having legal experts assess your contracts, compliance procedures, and business practices, you can reduce the likelihood of costly legal disputes and regulatory penalties. Minimizing legal risks enables your business to focus on growth opportunities and greater confidence.

Strategic Guidance

Outside general counsel can offer valuable strategic guidance to help you make informed decisions that promote business growth. They can advise on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, intellectual property protection, and international expansion. With their legal insights, you can navigate complex business transactions and opportunities more effectively, minimizing potential pitfalls.

Enhanced Compliance

Any firm must abide by applicable local, state, and federal rules. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines, legal disputes, and reputational damage. Outside general counsel can help ensure that your business remains in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. They can stay abreast of changes in the legal landscape and proactively implement compliance measures, reducing the risk of legal setbacks that could hinder growth.

Focus on Core Competencies

Outsourcing legal matters to outside general counsel allows your leadership team to concentrate on what they do best—running the business. Without the distractions of managing an in-house legal department, you can channel your efforts into innovation, product development, customer service, and other core competencies that drive growth. This focus on your strengths can lead to increased competitiveness and market share.

Objectivity and Independence

Outside general counsel can provide an objective perspective on legal matters. They don’t have the same emotional or organizational attachments as in-house legal teams, which can lead to more impartial advice. This objectivity is particularly valuable in making critical decisions that may involve assessing legal risks or addressing potential conflicts of interest.

Crisis Management

In times of crisis, having outside general counsel can be invaluable. Whether your business faces a data breach, a product recall, or a regulatory investigation, your legal team can help manage the situation, protect your interests, and minimize damage. Their expertise in crisis management can safeguard your business’s reputation and financial stability during challenging times, allowing for a quicker recovery and a return to growth.

Long-Term Partnership

By working with outside general counsel can establish a long-term partnership built on trust and understanding. These legal experts become intimately familiar with your business and its objectives, allowing them to provide tailored advice and solutions. This partnership ensures that your legal support aligns seamlessly with your growth strategies and business goals.