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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:
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
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
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.
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
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.
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!
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
