Myth vs. Fact: What Small Business Owners Get Wrong About Outside General Counsel Services

Every small business can benefit from the guidance of an experienced business attorney from time to time. Still, many business owners shy away from outside general counsel services for fear of the expense or a misunderstanding of what those services entail. Whether you’re dealing with an employee dispute, vendor contracts, outside investment, or questions about compliance with state and federal regulations, outside general counsel assistance from the attorneys at One Oak Legal can provide the answers you’re looking for. 

Myth: You Only Need A Lawyer When There’s A Problem

Many business owners mistakenly believe that lawyers are only necessary in a crisis. But knowledgeable outside general counsel services can help you put procedures and documents in place to prevent a problem from ever occurring and save you money in the process. For example, taking the time to draft or review vendor agreements before signing carefully can help avoid disputes when unexpected supply issues arise. 

Myth: Thinking Your Business is Too Small

When starting a business, it is easy to assume that only bigger companies need outside general counsel. Especially for early-stage start-ups, it can be tempting to rely on generic templates or quick internet searches to try to resolve legal issues. But real legal consequences and risks can arise at any time. For example, if your business relies on a particular trade name, develops a new product, or provides services in a highly regulated space, early legal advice can make the difference between a business that never gets off the ground and one that achieves long-term success. 

Myth: You Can Do It Alone

While small business owners often assume that taking care of human resources and paperwork is just a part of the job, smart business administration often requires outsourcing these responsibilities so that you can focus on the real work of growing business opportunities. Outside general counsel can be more than just an attorney you hire; they can be a partner who handles the thorny issues of employee contracts and labor disputes so that you can spend your time on the work that matters to you. 

Myth: Outside General Counsel Requires Large Retainers

When business owners picture general counsel, it often evokes images of large law firm conference rooms with dozens of expensive attorneys, a large retainer, and a significant monthly budget. In reality, outside general counsel can be flexible and fractional, meeting your needs without hundreds of hours of billable work. Outside general counsel services are available when you need them, for questions or advice, but don’t demand a constant expensive workflow.

At One Oak Legal, our attorneys are entrepreneurs and former business owners themselves. They know what it is like to start a small business, the questions and problems you are likely to encounter, and the basic services that you need. Our outside general counsel services help you to establish a strong foundation for your business and respond to problems quickly, without bloated budgets or excessive hassle. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.