Frequently Asked Questions
What is an “outside” general counsel ? isn’t that the same as a solo legal practice ?
Today’s legal landscape is dominated by law firms, and with good reason. Simple legal issues are relatively rare, while complexity and uncertainty are the norm. That means the client’s first task is understanding when and how to utilize specialized legal expertise. Businesses and organizations without in-house counsel may find this kind of self-diagnosis especially difficult.
The solution is an “outside GC” – a seasoned lawyer with extensive law firm and in-house experience, who can provide guidance on a range of matters. This delivers all the benefits of a regular GC, without the expense and commitment of a full-time executive. And when specialized skills or knowledge are required, an outside GC helps the client select and manage outside counsel.
I’m still a little unclear on how your role differs from a regular lawyer. How, exactly, do you bring value to our organization ?
KLC is both an alternative to a full-time general counsel and a supplemental tool to reduce your dependence on outside counsel. KLC is not a substitute for the specialized skills and resources of law firms, but it can help clients leverage those resources more efficiently. The only inherent downside to law firms is their business model: partners billing higher rates at lower volume, and armies of associates and support staff billing lower rates at higher volume. This structure makes sense for large or complex matters, but it also means that client needs are molded to fit the law firm process. Clients without in-house counsel are especially prone to over dependence on costly law firms.
KLC is for clients who want better value and control over their legal affairs. Neither a law firm nor a conventional solo practice, KLC has the experience and autonomy to find value alternatives and improve almost any client’s legal bottom line.
I understand how KLC is different from outside counsel. We already have in-house counsel, what would KLC do that they couldn’t ?
An independent legal consultant can act as an intermediary between the two, and ensure that outside counsel is utilized in the most efficient and value-added manner. KLC is also an on-call alternative to outside counsel for special projects or tasks that may tax the resources of in-house counsel.