In my role as part-time GC and senior legal advisor, I work with a diverse portfolio of companies. Although my clients differ in size, management structure and stages of growth, among other things, my relationship with them is similar in one fundamental way. Besides helping to manage and address their day-to-day legal work, I serve another important role – that of counsellor. And by “counsellor”, I do not mean acting as their legal “counsel”; rather, I am referring to the support I provide as an unofficial mentor/sounding board - whether to a solo in-house lawyer, a larger client legal department, a paralegal, or a non-legal professional overseeing the client’s legal function.

"I think one of the best indicators of career satisfaction for an on-demand GC is that, like me, many lawyers choose this role at the pinnacle of their in-house careers. I am able to continue pursuing a professionally challenging career, while maintaining control over my time and my life," explains Outside GC Member, Lakshmi Sarma Ramani, in her recent article published in the ACC Docket's July/August issue. 

Starting your own business can be a mammoth undertaking, especially when it comes to managing expenses while working (often tirelessly) to build momentum, and eventually, a revenue stream. Many new business owners grapple with the right time to hire an attorney. Although the thought of engaging an attorney from Day 1 may seem cost-prohibitive, it is a smart business decision even for the smallest companies. Of course, you’ll want a lawyer who is fairly-priced and efficient, and who has experience working with startups.

It’s no surprise that start-ups and small businesses are mindful of their budgets. Occasionally, however, cost-consciousness can lead a company to question the need for a contract or contract review, particularly when a transaction involves a small dollar amount or simple service offering. By assuming a lower risk of liability in these situations, the cost of hiring a lawyer to write, or review, a contract can seem unnecessary. This is a misconception.