Business Advisor/ Outside General Counsel
Serving Clients Throughout North Central Missouri
We sometimes hear business owners say they cannot afford the help of an attorney who is a full-time General Counsel for their business. An Outside General Counsel who works on a project-by-project basis makes it more affordable for small businesses to have the legal help they need.
Michael J. O’Loughlin serves as an Outside General Counsel (also known as a “Business Advisor”) to companies on an as-needed basis. He helps manage the legal side of the business, so management can focus on running the company. The legal issues he assists the business with generally concern two areas: 1) Litigation and Conflict Management; and 2) Risk Prevention.
Litigation and Conflict Management
Michael can provide an objective, candid analysis of existing or threatened litigation. He is able to help a business with the management of a dispute before or after the commencement of litigation. While Michael does not make Court appearances, he uses his experience and professional relationships to find a trial attorney with the experience and qualifications to help a company with its particular litigation needs. Working with the trial attorney, Michael strategically manages the litigation and stays involved with the Court proceedings or settlement negotiations.
Risk Prevention
In today’s business environment, it can be far more damaging to only seek the help of an attorney after a problem has occurred, than it is to have an attorney regularly monitoring the business to prevent problems. Having an Outside General Counsel makes it more comfortable for a business owner or manager to pick up the phone to speak with an attorney to discuss a little problem before it becomes a big problem. One step towards minimizing risk is to ensure that a contract exists for every business relationship a company has, including relationships with employees, partners, clients and suppliers. A straightforward but thorough contract will go a long way to avoid or minimize conflicts. Michael can review a company’s existing contracts to offer suggestions on ways to improve the company’s position in the agreement. He can also prepare new contracts for the business to incorporate with every person and entity it has a business relationship with.
Michael’s objective is to help companies reduce risks with current and future relationships and transactions by:
- Representing the Buyers or Sellers of a business.
- Creating new business entities and advising on risk reduction strategies.
- Overseeing real estate matters such as buying, selling or leasing property.
- Preparation and review of contracts.
- Mediating disagreements between company management, shareholders, employees and individuals.
- Litigation and settlement oversight.
Sometimes an outside set of eyes can see issues people working in the day-to-day operation of a business cannot see. When current or potential problems are identified, often solutions can be implemented to correct those issues or reduce the risks.
Running a small business is a rewarding but challenging endeavor. Most business owners are extremely busy with the many day-to-day tasks involved with running the business. It is helpful to outsource those functions that are important, but not unique to the business such as legal, accounting and payroll services. Michael’s assistance helps business owners focus on what they do best, growing the business.
If you would like more information on the Business Advisor/ Outside General Counsel services we offer, please call our office at (660) 833-4606 or e-mail us at ClientCare@MoTrustLaw.com to schedule a consultation with Michael at no charge.
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