Lawyers need a total rebrand

This is particularly the case for those working with fast-moving startups who view us as risk-managing cost centers rather than drivers of value

The reputation we get is as antiquated as the origin of law itself

Some 2021 updates to our brand:

1. Not being the "no" department

Sure, many lawyers are risk averse. It's a self-selecting bunch, and there's a reason certain types of people tend to gravitate towards law as a profession

But some lawyers strive to deeply understand the biz needs in order to AVOID saying no

Simply put, knowing the laws is the best way to get around them

I'm not saying we should actively try to break the law, but the best way to "move fast and break things" is to know how to do so without a catastrophic slipup

It's key to know which mistakes carry what consequences

Particularly at tech companies, lawyers aren't there to say no. They're there to help run a cost-benefit analysis of any given decision, weighing risks against upside. Lawyers are key in these discussions

Lawyers: Avoid saying no. Strive for solutions, don't create roadblocks.

2. Value-add in regulatory gray areas

Crypto, autonomous vehicles, wearables, etc.

A lot of the booming tech industries of today and tomorrow touch on highly regulated areas, both in the U.S. and internationally

Try starting a business in any of these spaces, and you'll quickly realize how much legalese you'll have to understand

This escalates when you're operating in a space like crypto that has constantly evolving (more like slowly dripping) regulatory guidance, across countries, etc.

Having a lawyer on the team early can be hugely helpful:

- You can pick their brain on topics without running up a bill

- You have someone to work with outside counsel and take this off the founders' plates

- Over time, you'll have an internal expert on an emerging space!

3. Policy Advocate

Related to point 2, lawyers are trained to be advocates for their clients

If you're in one of these "gray" industries, having a legal hire early on gives you someone to engage with regulators and push for policy that aligns with the company's mission

We're seeing policymakers rely more and more on expertise from private players (public/private partnerships, requests for comments)

An early legal hire can help the company determine its own approach to policy issues and engage with the broader tech ecosystem to drive change

4. Versatile Team Members

Contrary to popular belief, lawyers aren't only able to draft documents, send dial-ins and bill hours

In fact, some really enjoy learning new things

Biz dev, general strategy, operations, sales, customer support, quality assurance

Many lawyers are open to touching on other areas of the business to learn and grow

Especially early on where there may not be enough legal work for a purely legal role, loop them into other things

If they aren't interested/able to, they're not the right person to hire

5. Project Managers

When I was still at my law firm, I was managing 50+ clients and often 10+ projects at a time (deals, regulatory projects, general corp stuff)

Lawyers are essentially specialized project managers

Organization, attention to detail, delegation, driving process

If your company has an initiative or new workstream someone needs to drive, give your lawyer a chance to go for it

I think most biz people would be surprised at how excited and capable a good lawyer will be at taking on this type of opportunity

6. Summary

I get it, most lawyers cost a lot and say no too often. But in 2021 there's a new type of lawyer in town

We want to add value in new ways

We want to find creative solutions to tough problems

And most importantly - we want to join the fun of building the future