Practical Steps for Better Business Counsel
Working with a business attorney requires more than hiring and hoping for the best. The relationship works best when both sides contribute actively. Taking practical steps to improve how you engage with counsel leads to better advice and stronger outcomes for your company.
Our friends at Eric Lindh Foster Law, LLC discuss how business owners can take concrete actions to build more productive legal partnerships. A capable LLC formation lawyeran help you structure deals, address regulatory concerns, and protect your company from liability when you give them the tools they need to succeed.
Make Legal Matters a Priority
Legal issues rarely improve with neglect.
When something requires your attorney’s attention, treat it with appropriate urgency. This doesn’t mean panicking over routine matters. It means responding to requests promptly, attending scheduled meetings, and not letting legal tasks slide to the bottom of your to-do list indefinitely.
Delays have consequences. Missed deadlines can waive rights. Postponed contract reviews can result in unfavorable terms becoming binding. Ignoring warning signs can turn minor disputes into expensive litigation.
Give Your Attorney the Full Picture
Partial information produces limited advice.
When discussing a matter with your business attorney, share everything relevant. Include facts that favor your position and facts that don’t. Mention concerns that seem minor. Disclose relationships or history that might be pertinent.
Attorney-client privilege exists for this reason. What you tell your lawyer stays confidential. The American Bar Association’s rules on confidentiality are designed to encourage full and frank communication between clients and their counsel.
Withholding information, even unintentionally, can lead to advice that misses the mark entirely.
Provide Context, Not Just Documents
Documents matter. But context matters more.
When you send a contract for review, explain the business relationship behind it. When you describe a dispute, share the history between the parties. When you ask a legal question, explain why you’re asking and what you hope to accomplish. This background shapes how your attorney approaches the work.
Define Communication Preferences Early
Mismatched expectations cause frustration on both sides.
At the beginning of your relationship, discuss how you and your attorney will communicate. Some clients prefer phone calls. Others want everything in email. Some need quick responses for time-sensitive matters. Others are comfortable with longer turnaround times.
Helpful topics to address include:
- Preferred method of communication for routine matters
- Response time expectations for urgent versus standard issues
- Who at your company should receive copies of correspondence
- How status updates on ongoing matters will be provided
- Whether periodic check-in calls would be useful
Setting these expectations upfront prevents miscommunication later.
Know What You Are Paying For
Billing should never be a mystery.
Ask your business counsel how they charge. Hourly rates are common, but flat fees, retainers, and hybrid arrangements exist as well. Understand what activities generate charges. Phone calls? Emails? Research? Travel time?
Request regular invoices and review them. If an entry is unclear, ask about it. Reputable attorneys will explain their billing without hesitation. They understand that clients deserve transparency about costs.
Budget conversations can also be valuable. If a matter has a defined scope, ask for an estimate. This helps you plan and avoids unpleasant surprises.
Maintain the Relationship Over Time
One-time engagements have their place. Ongoing relationships offer greater value.
When your attorney knows your business well, they provide more relevant advice. They recall past decisions and understand your preferences. They can anticipate issues because they’re familiar with how you operate.
Stay in touch between active matters. A brief annual check-in to review contracts or discuss changes in your business keeps the relationship current. It also allows your attorney to flag potential concerns before they develop into problems.
Reach Out Today
A strong relationship with business counsel supports your company through every stage of growth. If you’re looking for an attorney who values communication and practical guidance, we encourage you to contact our team. We would welcome the opportunity to learn about your business and explore how we might assist you.
