Too often, companies wait until legal issues arise before calling a lawyer. By then, the damage is done. Below are 3 real-world scenarios where the absence of an outside General Counsel lawyer cost businesses more than they bargained for – and how it could’ve been avoided.
- The “Handshake Deal” That Went Sideways
A boutique creative agency in West LA landed a major brand client. The work began right away – no formal contract, just an email thread. After two weeks of design and strategy development, the client ghosted. No payment. No recourse.
The mistake? No Master Services Agreement (MSA), no defined deliverables, no signed payment terms. Litigation would’ve cost more than the invoice.
How General Counsel helps: Ensures every client agreement is buttoned-up and enforceable before a single hour is billed.
- The Employee Termination That Turned Into a Lawsuit
A fast-growing health and wellness company let go of a team member for performance issues. But they hadn’t updated their employee handbook in five years, and the termination process didn’t align with California labor standards.
The former employee filed a wrongful termination claim and threatened a class action over improper meal/rest break policies.
How General Counsel helps: Keeps your policies compliant with California’s evolving labor laws, trains managers, and reviews disciplinary action before it becomes a legal landmine.
- The Startup That Collapsed Without a Partnership Agreement
Two friends launched a mobile app and began attracting users quickly. But when they disagreed on how to monetize, things spiraled. There was no operating agreement, no IP ownership structure, and no way to resolve the dispute.
The app died. Neither could claim full rights. Investors lost interest.
How General Counsel helps: Structures your entity, defines founder roles, protects your IP, and prepares for exits – even if one co-founder exits first.
Don’t Let Legal Issues Derail Your Business
At Boesch Law Group, we serve as outside General Counsel to many business types across Los Angeles – protecting their assets, guiding their growth, and solving problems before they become court cases.
Whether you’re a startup founder, creative agency, or scaling company, our General Counsel services offer the legal confidence you need – without the in-house cost.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.