An Independent General Counsel with thirty five years experience representing technology companies through all stages of growth, from formation to public trading
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Paul L. Criswell
Independant or “on-call” In-House Counsel
A Special Type of Legal Service to Companies
An in-house counsel provides a special type of legal services to companies, advice that harks back to the days of attorneys as trusted business advisors. They offer advice that outside counsel cannot offer, and services that cannot be economically provided in any other way. An in-house counsel develops a thorough understanding of the company and an up to the minute picture of its business. This allows them to be pro-active in offering advice and programs. Inside counsel are physically present and easily accessible for formal or informal advice. In-house counsel can provide many of the legal services that would otherwise be referred to outside counsel, and inside counsel cost considerable less.
Nevertheless, smaller companies often cannot afford full time in-house counsel. Many companies burden their CFO with acting as proxy in-house counsel. He or she is responsible for contract drafting, review and negotiation. For standard agreements, they use modified versions of agreements from a previous company or lengthy one-size-fits-all agreements from a large law firm. They neglect legal issues because they are too expensive to take to outside counsel. My practice solves that problem. I function as an “on-call” or independent In-House Counsel. I work on an as-needed basis, working from my office, and, as needed, at company premises to accomplish projects as requested by management.
Contract Drafting, Review and Negotiations
I will make the contracts process responsive and efficient. I will draft and maintain a set of standard contracts, including sales agreements, beta agreements, non-disclosure agreement, and joint marketing agreements. I can review agreements presented by other parties and draft contract amendments and customized contracts. I will work with Sales and Business Development to structure, negotiate and close profitable business transactions. I work with Finance to make certain that the company can recognize revenue at the proper time. I can educate the sales force regarding contractual procedures and the requirements for valid orders. I can design and implement a contracts review process that ensures that management is fully aware of the risks and obligations that the company incurs. s.
Human Resources
I can provide first-level advice to the company regarding employee relations, benefits and compensation issues. I will counsel the company through employee discipline and termination proceedings, and discrimination and wrongful termination complaints. I can help to design and maintain 1) employee benefits programs that will aid in building a strong organization with valuable, motivated employees and 2) executive compensation programs to make certain that the Company can attract and retain key executives.
Mediation
I also provide services as a professional mediator. Acting as a neutral, I help companies to craft their own resolution to contentious issues, without resorting to litigation
Problem Solving
Many business problems have a legal aspect to them. When business people call their lawyers they want help in solving that problem. They are looking for someone who can help them to analyze the facts, understand what is important and what is not, apply judgment and help plan a way forward. I have almost forty years of helping my clients to solve their problems.
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What I Provide to you
Expertise & Experience Equals Good Judgment
Expertise
I am a graduate of a top-five law school, an alumni of a large Boston law firm and a Harvard-trained mediator. I have been an adjunct professor or law, an editor of and contributor to legal publications and a frequent speaker at legal events. Through thirty-five years of intense and enjoyable practice, I have become expert in helping technology companies solve the problems that they inevitably face.
Experience
I have 35 years of experience in representing technology companies through all stages of growth, from formation to public trading. I provide advice and counsel regarding sales and marketing contracts; corporate acquisitions and divestitures, international expansion; dispute resolution; corporate law compliance; and employee relations and benefits issues.
Judgement
A good attorney has to consider more than just the black letter law. An experienced and expert attorney will help you to understand what is important, what is practical and what are the options. In assessing a situation, a good counsel will work to understand the strength of your bargaining position, the areas of the business relationship where you have control, and the ramifications of something going wrong. A good attorney will exercise judgment, and will help you to exercise judgment.
Get In touch
Schedule an Appointment
Company formation and governance
Get your company up and running properly and efficiently. Keep your company in good standing and understand the governance formalities.
Dispute Resolution
Negotiate rather than litigate. Protect your true interests. Save time and money. Whether looking for someone to represent you or to act as a third party neutral, I can help.
Contract drafting and negotiation
Present your customers with contracts that accurately and succinctly describe the business deal. Set proper expectations. Argue only about things that matter. Enhance your business relationships.
Strategic Transactions
Asset sales, stock sales or mergers. Joint ventures. Exclusive licenses. Buying or selling, do the deal efficiently and effectively.