50
50 Years of Legal Experience
CPA since 1970
Lawyer Since 1973
30+ Years of Entrepreneurial Experience
Direct Attorney Access
Experienced Outside General Counsel for Privately Held Companies
Legal strategy should reflect the transaction, the commercial relationship and the owner's long-term goals.
A Legal Resource Who Understands the Business
Outside general counsel becomes more valuable over time because the lawyer learns the company’s operations, ownership, contracts, decision-makers and risk tolerance.
Arthur works directly with owners and executives. His experience as an entrepreneur, software developer, CPA and business lawyer allows him to evaluate legal questions in the context of practical operations.
Common Outside General Counsel Services
- Contract drafting, review and negotiation
- Corporate governance, minutes, consents and ownership records
- Employment, independent contractor and confidentiality agreements
- Vendor, customer, consultant and strategic partner relationships
- Licensing, software, technology and intellectual property matters
- Business acquisitions, sales and ownership changes
- Risk identification and coordination with insurance professionals
- Coordination with accountants, tax advisers, and other specialists
- Early review of disputes and referral to litigation counsel when needed
A Defined and Practical Scope
The outside general counsel relationship should be clear. The engagement letter can identify the types of matters included, the expected communication process, fee arrangements, and services that require a separate scope.
Arthur does not promise unlimited availability or coverage of every legal specialty. When a matter requires litigation, securities, immigration, patent prosecution, or another specialized service, he can help the client identify the need for additional counsel.
Support for Important Decisions
Ongoing counsel can help the company obtain legal input before a decision becomes urgent. Arthur can review a proposed contract, ownership change, new compensation arrangement, licensing opportunity, or transaction while options remain available.
This proactive approach can reduce rushed decisions and improve coordination among the company’s legal, accounting, and financial advisers.
Who Benefits from Outside General Counsel
This service may fit established privately held companies, family businesses, contractors, consultants, technology firms, and manufacturers that regularly enter agreements or make ownership and operational decisions.
It can also fit a company preparing for growth, investment, acquisition, sale, or succession.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is outside general counsel different from hiring a lawyer for one project?
A project engagement addresses a defined matter. Outside general counsel is an ongoing relationship that provides continuity across recurring legal needs.
Is outside general counsel the same as an employee?
No. Arthur remains outside counsel and is not an employee of the company. The engagement letter defines the legal services and relationship.
Can the scope be limited to contracts and governance?
Yes. The scope can be tailored to the company’s needs. Some clients need primarily contract support, while others also need governance, transaction, and ownership guidance.
Does outside general counsel include litigation?
Not necessarily. Arthur can identify and address early-stage disputes, but litigation may require separate litigation counsel and a separate engagement.
How are fees structured?
The fee structure depends on the expected work and scope. It may involve hourly work, project fees, a retainer, or another agreed-upon arrangement described in the engagement letter.
Create a More Consistent Legal Support System
Your company should not have to start from the beginning with a new attorney every time a legal question arises.
Discuss your recurring legal needs with Arthur and determine whether an outside general counsel relationship fits your business.
