Robert has been consulting with me on his quarterly plan and I feel really good about the experience. Our first meeting was an everything on the table explanation of my business, how it works, what we do well and what concerns I have. I think most businesses in the 1 million to 10 million range who don't have a full time lawyer on staff have some concerns or questions. Finding a lawyer/business adviser who helps businesses my size was great, I think he is in a really unique niche.
We decided to tackle these items quarter by quarter. The first major evaluation were the contracts I used with the public. He went through all the major points and the fine print and was able to make my contracts more customer friendly which really gives them more strength. I have several contracts and he was able to tie them all in together and connect them better. I feel pretty good about the contracts I put out now, people understand them and the company is well protected.
In our next meeting we evaluated my insurance and discussed where there were some potential exposures. He used to work for State Farm before he was a Lawyer, so he really understands all the lingo used and can help me understand what is and is not covered. Every year I buy a huge umbrella, but was shocked by all the limitations that are attached to it in the legal jargon. I will be asking him for assistance when my next renewal occurs.
Our last meeting was a review of my employee new hire forms, Corporate Minutes, Employee Handbooks, plans for growth and general questions I had. He was very patient and answered every question. I took a long time, but he was not clock watching, I felt I got everything answered thoroughly. It's just not legal advise you get from him, it's great business advise. He finds out what makes your business ticks and tries to put you in the best possible position to succeed without exposures.
When you build a business, you don't want to leave yourself vulnerable simply because you are scared to hire the lawyer who just wants to bill and drag things out, so like me, most people don't. Robert is not the typical lawyer you are worried about, he's smart, fair and a good guy. He was a great find, I highly recommend him. read more