ACC Docket | Jan./Feb. 2020 | Vol. 38 No. 1 | Pages: 40-45
All too often, engaging a new service or entering into a different transaction — and assuming certain risks as a result — are ultimately business decisions. But what is the role of in-house counsel? Are in-house counsel tour guides, helping the company avoid the pitfalls in contracting? Or are they strategic advisors, carefully guiding the business toward the proper considerations? It depends on the company, but there are disadvantages to either role. Guides risk not seeing the forest for the trees. Strategists risk missing the path through the trees for the forest. Here are seven steps that will help in-house counsel balance their dual guide and strategic advisor roles as they seek the right path.