IN HOUSE COUNSEL

Some businesses need a lawyer only when they form the business and then again when they sell the business. Others, due to their size, nature, ownership, personality or industry, need more constant legal assistance. However, they do not need a full time lawyer on staff.  Goodrich Law Firm, LLC works with these companies to fill that gap.

The benefits of in-house counsel include:
1) increased and constant service;
2) steady pricing; and
3) proactive legal services.

The focus of a company is its customers and its sales.  Consequently, pressing legal matters often fall by the wayside.  Hiring Goodrich Law Firm as in-house counsel ensures that these issues are dealt with proactively by professionals.  As a result, the company is better equipped to face common pitfalls. 

We deal with the non-urgent, but important matters.

 Roles Played:

"The one minute in-house counsel"
We are available via phone or e-mail for consultations and brief discussions to clarify the legal aspects of business dealings encountered in the course of running your business.

The Translator:
We aid in helping everyone speak the same language by explaining the legal implications in every day language.

The Navigator
We look for issues that may present substantive problems down the road and steer your company in a direction that will help you take affirmative action to ensure a problem does not arise in the future. 

The Trainer
We consult with the management and staff of your company to help them perform according to the best practices model.

Services Provided

• Assist in managing risk exposure
• Define and develop corporate legal strategies, policies and procedures for the company
• Structure corporate governance procedures
• Prepare and maintain corporate resolutions and minutes
• Prepare documentation for company transactions, as needed
• Participate in the negotiation of company transactions, as needed
• Ensure that all legal records are properly drafted and kept in a safe place 
• Ensure that the legal affairs of the company are attended to in an effective and efficient manner

Due Diligence Method

*We use a checklist in dealing with each client.  The checklist is based on the American Bar Association's Model Due Diligence Checklist.

*As issues arise, we add them to the due diligence summary where appropriate.

*Each month we monitor and assess the checklist.

*Over time, a comprehensive due diligence report of the company is produced.

Benefits of the Due Diligence Method

Comprehensive
Allows us to review all of the company?s important documents and obtain an in-depth familiarity with the operations and inner workings of the company

Ongoing
Continuous monitoring and assessment of the legal issues the company faces

Quick Summary
Provides quick summary of core functions
Useful in negotiations with banks, equity investors and merger partners

Informative
Keeps officers, directors and stakeholders informed

Scope of Representation

*The scope of representation is akin to that of an in-house counsel.

*Regular onsite visits

*Routine advice on issues such as governmental licensing, corporate resolutions, intellectual property consulting, etc.

*Drafting minutes for meetings of the officers and directors to ensure the integrity of the corporation.

*Assistance with drafting of agreement

Key Terms in the Engagement

*Flat Monthly Fee

*Terminated by either party with 30 days notice

*Reviewed annually for price and services

*If scope is exceeded, we are obligated to notify you before beginning work

 Key Benefits

1)  Our staff is willing and able to help your business in a professional and courteous manner.

2)  A professional with an in-depth familiarity of the operations and legal challenges faced by your company.  Once we learn more about the operations and internal workings of the company, then we will be better suited to assess and meet your needs.

3)  A part time in-house counsel provides assistance on smaller matters without incurring a billable hour charge.