In-house lawyers are frequently accused of slowing down business momentum with “red flags” and a general inclination toward the word “no.” Although deserved on occasion, this is mostly a misleading perception which attorneys can disprove by following a set of universal principles for demonstrating true value to internal clients. In previous posts, we discussed principle 1: “know your client’s business,” principle 2: “understand the real question being asked,” and principle 3: “stop saying no.” Finally, we will examine the last principle: “take more risk.”

In this 4-part series, we’re discussing the various ways in-house lawyers can add value within an organization. Drawing on 30 years of legal experience, I have identified 4 universal principles that attorneys can follow to demonstrate their true business savvy and legal skills. As previously shared, principle 1: “know your client’s business” and principle 2: “understand the real question being asked” are both critically important practices proven to help attorneys build trust and strengthen client relationships. Next, we will review the third principle: “stop saying ‘no’.”

Let’s dive into the second installment of my 4-part series on how in-house attorneys can demonstrate true value within an organization by following 4 universal principles. In part one, we explored the first, and perhaps most important, principle: know your client’s business. Next, we will review principle 2: “understand the real question being asked.”

How many times have lawyers heard that:

The workplace is changing. As more employees embrace opportunities for remote or hybrid work arrangements, companies are leveraging video technology, including both live stream and on-demand (asynchronous) formats, as a primary means of communication with their distributed workforces. For example, video is frequently used to onboard new employees, conduct employee workshops/trainings and engage with employees in virtual town hall style meetings.

Introductory note: In addition to my role as on-demand general counsel at Outside GC, I am also the co-founder of Public Safety Network, a new firm providing business and operational expertise to established and start-up companies entering the public safety tech market which has been recently accelerated by the creation of FirstNet, the independent government authority responsible for bringing the first nationwide prioritized broadband wireless network to public service professionals. In the below article, I've shared some key principles on how to empower your workforce. Not only have these principles defined my approach throughout my management career, but they continue to guide my experience as a member of Outside GC's team, and lie at the core of the legal and business advice I provide to all of my clients so as to maximize desired business outcomes. I hope you enjoy! Jason