Hiring an Attorney for Your Business on a Monthly Retainer Basis Consider a “Shared” General Counsel
Running a business is a lot like juggling—it takes focus, strategy, and just the right balance to keep everything moving smoothly. But let’s be honest: legal issues can feel like the rogue ball that throws your rhythm off completely. Whether it’s drafting contracts, navigating compliance, or handling a sudden dispute, legal matters often pop up unexpectedly, leaving you scrambling for help.
What if you didn’t have to wait for a crisis to hire an attorney? What if you had a trusted legal advisor on your team, ready to step in whenever needed? That’s exactly what hiring an attorney on a retainer basis offers. It’s a proactive, stress-free way to ensure your business is protected and prepared—without breaking the bank.
Let’s explore why a monthly retainer makes sense for your business, tackle some common objections, and show you how Beinhaker Law can be your go-to legal partner.
1. What Is a Monthly Retainer?
A monthly retainer is a flat fee you pay to secure ongoing access to a lawyer for your business. Unlike hiring an attorney for one-off tasks, a retainer agreement gives you consistent legal support. Your retainer covers a certain amount of hours per month with additional work outside the scope of the retainer is billed at a discount.
Think of it as having an in-house legal team—without the full-time employee costs.
What’s Typically Included?
While offerings vary by firm, common services include:
- Contract Review and Drafting: Ensuring your agreements are clear, enforceable, and protect your interests.
- Legal Advice: Answers to questions about compliance, liability, or employment law.
- Dispute Resolution: Help navigating disputes with clients, vendors, or employees.
- Risk Management: Proactive strategies to avoid legal issues before they arise.
2. Why Do Small Businesses Need a General Counsel Relationship?
You might be wondering, “Do I really need a lawyer on call?” The short answer is yes, and here’s why:
The Legal Landscape Is Complex
From labor laws to tax regulations, there’s a maze of rules to follow. A retainer attorney helps you navigate this complexity, so you stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Legal Issues Can Be Costly
A minor contract dispute or compliance error can lead to lawsuits, fines, and damage to your reputation. Addressing issues proactively with a retainer attorney is far less expensive than dealing with them after they escalate.
Your Time Is Valuable
As a business owner, your focus should be on growth—not deciphering legal jargon. A retainer attorney handles the legal side so you can concentrate on what you do best.
3. Common Objections to Hiring a Shared General Counsel
“It’s too expensive.”
Many business owners assume retainers are only for large companies, but that’s not true. At Beinhaker Law, we offer affordable plans tailored to small businesses. Plus, the cost of prevention is almost always lower than the cost of fixing a legal crisis.
“I don’t need a lawyer that often.”
Even if legal issues don’t come up daily, having an attorney on retainer ensures you’re covered when they do. Plus, many retainer agreements include proactive services like contract audits and compliance checks, which add value even during quieter periods.
“I can handle most legal issues myself.”
You’re a pro at running your business, but legal matters require expertise. DIY solutions can lead to costly mistakes. A retainer attorney provides peace of mind and professional handling of your business’s legal needs.
4. Benefits of Hiring an Attorney on a Retainer Basis
Proactive Protection
With a retainer attorney, you’re not just reacting to problems — you’re preventing them. Regular legal check-ins and audits help identify risks before they turn into costly issues.
Cost Predictability
One of the biggest advantages of a retainer is budgeting. You pay a consistent fee each month, so there are no surprise bills or hourly charges when a legal issue arises.
Relationship Building
Your retainer attorney becomes deeply familiar with your business, offering tailored advice that aligns with your goals. It’s like having a trusted partner in your corner.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have a legal expert ready to assist you means you can focus on running your business without worrying about unexpected legal hurdles.
5. How to Choose the Right Legal Relationship
1. Look for Industry Experience
Your attorney should understand the unique challenges of your industry. At Beinhaker Law, we’ve worked with businesses across New Jersey and New York in various sectors, from tech startups to retail stores.
2. Review Their Services
Ensure the retainer includes the specific legal support you need, whether it’s contracts, compliance, or employee matters.
3. Prioritize Communication
You want an attorney who’s approachable, responsive, and explains legal concepts in plain English.
4. Assess Value, Not Just Cost
The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Look for a retainer attorney who offers excellent service at a fair price.
6. How Beinhaker Law Can Help
At Beinhaker Law, we believe every business deserves access to high-quality legal support. That’s why we offer monthly retainer plans designed specifically for small businesses in New Jersey and New York. To learn more about our monthly arrangements, visit our website at https://beinhakerlaw.com/shared-general-counsel-services.
Our Retainer Services Include:
- Comprehensive contract drafting and review
- Ongoing compliance checks
- On-call legal advice for day-to-day questions
- Support with disputes, negotiations, and risk management
- Online, secured vault for important documents
- Special Emergency Healthcare Features
- Even more…
We’re more than just attorneys—we’re your business’s legal safety net.
7. Ready to Protect Your Business? Contact Us Today!
Don’t wait for a legal issue to disrupt your business. A monthly retainer with Beinhaker Law ensures you’re always protected and prepared.
Call us now or visit our website to schedule a consultation. Let’s create a retainer plan that fits your business’s unique needs and budget.
Conclusion
Legal challenges are an inevitable part of running a business, but they don’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Hiring an attorney on a monthly retainer basis is a smart, proactive way to safeguard your business, save time, and gain peace of mind.
At Beinhaker Law, we’re committed to helping small businesses succeed. Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can partner with you to handle your legal needs—so you can focus on growing your business.
Mitchell C. Beinhaker, Esq. is a business lawyer and estates attorney who runs a solo legal & consulting practice representing business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals. Through his 30+ years of experience, Mitchell has handled business development, marketing, firm management, along with business transactional work for clients of the firm. He has extensive experience with corporate governance, commercial transactions, real estate, and risk analysis. Using his years of practical experience, he drafts contracts, negotiates purchases, and can manage outside counsel for any corporate situation. For business owners and executives, he creates and implements estate plans, along with succession plans to help companies continue for future generations.
Mitchell is the co-author of 10 Ways to Get Sued by Anyone & Everyone: the small business owners guide to staying out of court, available in paperback and kindle from Amazon.
If you are a non-participating provider and need help with your NSA arbitrations, contact our office for a free consultation. You can email us at info@beinhakerlaw.com. To learn more about Mitchell and his practice, visit beinhakerlaw.com.