Special Report
Firm commitment
How to work with your lawyer to cut your long-term costs
By Kim Carrasquillo
Smart Business Detroit | November 2009
Page 1 of 3
Paying a lawyer may be the last thing you want to think about. But when it comes to keeping your company afloat, seeking counsel can be your life vest.
During troubled times, you need an adviser who understands your business and your leadership personality. While many CEOs see trips to the lawyer’s office in terms of dollar signs, keeping ahead of the legal curve will pay off in the long run.
“A lawyer can be a valuable business tool in this economy to help a client anticipate what their needs would be, what kind of exposures and challenges they might bring about, and what would need to be navigated down the line,” says Jill P. Meyer, member-in-charge, Cincinnati office, Frost Brown Todd LLC.
Your attorney can be a valuable member of your cabinet who provides strategic advice to boost your bottom line. By viewing your lawyer as a business partner — and his or her fee as an investment in your company — you can capitalize on your lawyer’s legal training and experience.
