That has been the foundation of my practice for most of my career.
I work primarily with owners of privately held businesses. Some contact me about a particular transaction or problem. Others have been clients for many years and call whenever something arises that may require legal advice.
I don’t require a client to have a continuing stream of legal work. Many businesses go months without needing an attorney. The important thing is having someone available when the need arises.
The Value of an Ongoing Relationship
There is a practical advantage to working with an attorney who already knows your business.
When a client calls about a proposed agreement, a problem with another owner, a licensing question, or a possible acquisition, I may already understand the company’s ownership structure, its history, its business relationships, and the client’s objectives.
That background can make it easier to identify issues and evaluate possible solutions.
It also means that legal advice can take account of the business consequences of a decision, not merely whether a particular course of action is legally permissible.
My objective is not to make every problem into a legal project. Sometimes the best advice is to negotiate a practical resolution, change the terms of a proposed transaction, or simply avoid a situation that is likely to cause trouble.
Direct Communication
Clients deal directly with me.
I believe a client should understand the advice being given, the reasons for it, and the risks involved in the available alternatives.
I try to avoid unnecessary legal terminology. When a legal concept matters, I explain it. When the law is uncertain, I say so.
I also expect clients to participate in the decision-making process. My job is to provide legal advice and judgment. The client’s job is to decide what makes sense for the business, with a clear understanding of the legal implications.
That sometimes involves difficult conversations. I don’t believe I serve a client well by telling them what I think they want to hear.
A Broad Business Practice
Business problems rarely arrive neatly separated into legal specialties.
A business acquisition may involve corporate law, real estate, employment issues, licensing, financing, intellectual property, and tax considerations. A dispute among owners may involve an operating agreement, fiduciary duties, valuation, and the practical question of whether the owners can continue working together.
I have spent much of my career dealing with the overlap among these areas.
That does not mean I undertake every type of legal work. When a matter requires specialized expertise, I may work with another attorney or professional, or refer the matter to someone better suited to handle it.
I consider that part of representing a client properly.
How Fees Are Handled
My practice is generally based on hourly billing for the services provided. Some matters, such as routine entity formations, are handled for an agreed flat fee.
I do not generally use a monthly subscription model for ongoing business counsel. Clients can contact me as legal needs arise, and we determine the appropriate scope of work.
Fee arrangements and the terms of representation are discussed before an engagement is undertaken.
Who I Work With
My practice is generally a good fit for an owner or manager of a privately held business who wants to develop a direct working relationship with an experienced attorney.
I particularly enjoy matters that require understanding how a business operates, evaluating several possible approaches, and finding a solution that accounts for both the legal and practical considerations.
I am less interested in handling litigation as an ongoing part of my practice. My emphasis is on business counseling, transactions, planning, and resolving problems without litigation when reasonably possible.
If that sounds like the kind of relationship you are looking for, you are welcome to contact the firm to discuss your circumstances.