Why Every Business Needs Excellent General Counsel

By Attorney Christopher Brainard – California Business and General Counsel Attorney

Whether you run a startup, a growing mid-sized company, or a well-established enterprise, having excellent general counsel isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. In today’s legal and regulatory climate, the right legal advisor can mean the difference between sustainable growth and avoidable disaster.

At LawBrainard, I help California businesses navigate legal complexity with clarity, confidence, and strategy. In this article, I’ll explain why retaining experienced general counsel can be one of the smartest business decisions you make.

1. Proactive Risk Management

Many legal issues are preventable—but only if you catch them early. A seasoned general counsel helps identify and mitigate legal risk before it becomes a lawsuit, regulatory issue, or PR crisis.

📌 Examples:

  • Spotting gaps in contracts and policies

  • Ensuring compliance with California labor laws

  • Advising on cybersecurity and data protection

  • Reviewing advertising and marketing practices

Prevention costs less than litigation. Good counsel helps you stay out of court—and out of trouble.

2. Contract Drafting and Negotiation

Contracts are the foundation of every business relationship. Poorly drafted or one-sided contracts can expose your business to:

  • Breach of contract claims

  • Unenforceable terms

  • Lopsided liability

  • Unintended obligations

As general counsel, I ensure that your contracts are:

  • Legally sound

  • Favorable to your position

  • Tailored to your unique business needs

From vendor agreements to partnership deals, having a sharp legal eye on every contract is essential.

3. Strategic Legal Guidance for Business Decisions

Whether you're considering a merger, bringing on investors, launching a new product, or expanding into new markets, the legal ramifications are significant. General counsel provides:

  • Entity structuring advice

  • Regulatory analysis

  • Due diligence

  • Risk-benefit analysis

When legal strategy aligns with business strategy, you’re positioned to make better decisions with more confidence.

4. Employment and HR Compliance

California is one of the most heavily regulated states when it comes to employment law. Without proper guidance, businesses can easily run afoul of:

  • Wage and hour laws

  • Independent contractor misclassification

  • Wrongful termination claims

  • Harassment and discrimination liability

Excellent general counsel helps you:

  • Draft compliant handbooks and policies

  • Respond to employee complaints

  • Handle terminations carefully

  • Stay current with ever-changing laws (e.g., AB5, PAGA, Cal/OSHA)

5. Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Even with strong preventative measures, legal disputes may arise. When they do, your general counsel:

  • Handles pre-litigation demands and negotiations

  • Coordinates with trial counsel, if needed

  • Protects your company’s brand and financial interests

  • Develops efficient strategies for dispute resolution

The goal isn’t just to win—but to minimize business disruption.

6. Ongoing Legal Availability Without the In-House Cost

Hiring a full-time general counsel can be costly—especially for small to mid-sized companies. But working with an outside general counsel like LawBrainard gives you:

  • Ongoing access to a trusted legal advisor

  • Predictable, manageable costs

  • High-level legal support without the overhead

This model offers the best of both worlds: legal protection and business flexibility.

Partner with LawBrainard for General Counsel Services

We provide general counsel services tailored to the needs of California businesses—from legal startups to seasoned enterprises. With decades of combined business and legal experience, we help our clients:

  • Protect what they’ve built

  • Navigate change with clarity

  • Grow with confidence

📞 Call (310) 266-4115
🌐 Visit: www.LawBrainard.com
🗓 Schedule a consultation to discuss your company’s legal needs.

Christopher Brainard is a California attorney providing general counsel and legal strategy to businesses across industries. He advises on contracts, compliance, employment law, business structuring, and risk management—with a sharp focus on protecting clients from preventable legal issues.

*This article/blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Christopher Brainard, Esq. An attorney-client relationship can only be formed through a written and signed agreement with Christopher Brainard. If you need legal advice about your specific situation contact us for a consultation.  [Christopher Brainard, 651 N. Sepulveda Blvd., #2010, Bel Air, CA 90049].

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