As a small business owner, you may feel as if you’re facing the world alone at times. Unlike a large company would, I’m willing to bet you don’t have a team of lawyers or an in-house general counsel to support you as you navigate the complexities of running a business. But just because you don’t have the budget of a big business, doesn’t mean you don’t have the same challenges or need the same level of support that large companies enjoy.
In-house business lawyers are responsible for proactively seeking opportunities for their company, identifying potential risks, and helping to create a strong legal framework for the company’s success. They have a deep understanding of the company’s values, goals, and desires and are able to use that knowledge to counsel a business’s leaders in strategic decision-making.
But most small businesses don’t need a full-time lawyer on their payroll, and usually can’t afford one. Instead, they’ll often hire local business attorneys to help create contracts or review agreements for their company on an as-needed basis. Or they may even just wait until there is a problem, and try to find good counsel reactively instead of proactively.
The problem with this approach is that most business lawyers handling one-off transactions will charge a low flat fee per transaction, but never really get to know your business and will not review your contracts or help you make decisions strategically. Or, if you hire lawyers when a problem happens, you’ll be paying a big retainer and then unpredictable hourly fees that can interrupt or even significantly harm your company’s cash flow. Worse yet, they likely don’t know your company well enough to help efficiently.
Fortunately, there’s a modern solution that has its roots in the past…
Bringing Back the “Family” Lawyer
Back in the day, your whole family may have leaned on one attorney for all of their needs – the traffic ticket, the permit for the house, the contract for the plumbing. In fact, that attorney probably felt like part of your family because they were so involved. They probably even got invites to Sunday dinner!
While I don’t expect a dinner invitation, a Personal Family Lawyer® (PFL) brings back the kind of service you’d only expect from the “family” attorney – someone who knows your family dynamics and your business from the inside out. Someone you can call on for not just your business needs, but any legal need.
That’s what a PFL with a Strategic Business Focus is all about. I’m not just able to provide the legal support you need – I also offer full strategic business advice for your company based on your vision, goals, and the stage of growth your company is in right now.
How a “Family” Business Lawyer Supports Your Business Vision
First and foremost, I listen.
When I meet with my clients, I take the time to understand their unique vision and desires for their business and lifestyle, and work with them to make sure their business is aligned to meet their hopes, dreams, goals, and vision. I also make sure they have the legal, insurance, financial and tax support that meets the business’ plans for growth.
I support you by:
-Guiding you to clarify your business goals
-Considering the overall health of your business and whether it matches your goals
-Recognizing development opportunities for your business
-Providing guidance on where to focus your energy
-Helping you avoid risks that can be foreseen
-Connecting you to additional legal, insurance, financial and tax professionals on an as-needed basis proactively
-Providing education on business news, technology, and strategies that can positively impact your business
-And of course, as your trusted legal advisor, I help you navigate the legal landscape by:
-Reviewing contracts
-Negotiating employee/contractor agreements
-Protecting your intellectual property
-Understanding and explaining the changing legal landscape
-Ensuring that your business plan coordinates with your personal estate and succession planning
But perhaps most importantly, I’m your sounding board for your ideas and a source of guidance when you need it most. I can help you make difficult decisions to ensure they align with your values. My goal is to provide you with the support you need to move forward with confidence. I’m not just your business lawyer, I’m your strategic business partner.
In-House Support Without the In-House Price Tag
I’m here to provide you with the same type of support as an in-house general counsel without the high cost. Instead, I offer three tiers of support to match the needs of your business and can increase or decrease your support level as your business changes.
That means you get the right amount of support to match your business’s current challenges while still feeling like I’m an extension of your team – because I am. I care about your company’s success and truly take an interest in the goals and vision you have for your business.
As a small business owner, you put everything you have into seeing your company succeed. If you’re ready to experience the power of a strategic business-focused lawyer who cares about you and your vision, give us a call. I’m happy to walk through how I can be an extension of your team and boost your company’s success through strategic business advice and planning.I can’t wait to help your business grow!
This article is a service of Trust Counsel, Personal Family Lawyer ® Firm. I offer a complete spectrum of legal services for businesses and can help you make the wisest choices with your business throughout life and in the event of your death. I also offer a LIFT Start-Up Session™ or a LIFT Audit for an ongoing business, which includes a review of all the legal, financial, and tax systems you need for your business. Call us today to schedule.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Trust Counsel, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.
