No matter how small, businesses often require on-going legal support. Depending on the particular business, the services of a full-time in-house attorney may be not be necessary or might not be financially feasible. Furthermore, the typical hourly rates charged by many law firms can be prohibitive. As a result, many businesses operate without regularly consulting with an attorney. This can and often does result in minor, solvable issues escalating into costly, time-consuming and resource-draining complications. Retaining “outside general counsel” can provide you with the opportunity to receive ongoing legal advice to help you properly run your business and resolve issues before they rise to the level of becoming legal problems that potentially expose the business to liability.
Our Firm The Law Office of Cheryl Gabes Rice, LLC provides part-time general counsel services to small businesses on a fixed fee, hourly or monthly retainer basis, depending upon the needs and goals of each client. We can be retained to provide a broad range of services, from assisting with day to day legal issues that arise, to being brought in on a more comprehensive level for specific matters and projects. Some of the general counsel services that we provide include the following:
Commercial and Business Law: As outside general counsel, we are available to represent your business in a variety of business transactions, such as negotiating, drafting and reviewing a variety of business contracts and agreements with business partners, vendors, clients and other third parties. We can participate in business meetings and other conferences in order to negotiate on your behalf, strategize, represent your interests, and/or identify and work through potential disputes or legal issues that may arise. We are also available to attend senior management and board meeting to provide advice on legal matters affecting the business. Preparation of agendas for, and minutes of, board and shareholder meetings, as well as annual state and local business filings are also part of the services that we can provide. Managing Litigation: Some companies, due to the nature of their businesses, are frequently involved in litigation. It is not uncommon for them to have multiple cases pending in states across the country. Overseeing those cases and keeping management and owners apprised of the risks and scope of potential liability can become a daunting proposition. As part of our general counsel services, we are available to manage litigation and outside counsel, oversee and respond to discovery requests and report to management and owners on the status of cases and the potential risks for financial exposure. We are also available to work with owners and management to development and implement procedures to minimize risks and future exposure. Compliance: As outside general counsel, we can represent your business in matters of regulatory compliance. Your business might be subject to regulation under various state and Federal laws. We can advise you on how to comply with these laws as well as represent you in any litigation that might arise in the event that your business is accused of non-compliance.
|