Kathleen M. Premo, Member of the Firm in the Health Care & Life Sciences practice, in the firm’s St. Petersburg office, was quoted in AHLA Health Law Connections, in “Four Tips for In-House Attorneys from Outside Counsel.” (Read the full version – subscription required.)
Following is an excerpt:
This article delves into four key tips provided by outside counsel that can empower in-house legal teams to navigate the intricate legal landscape of health care with confidence and proficiency. These insights offer a roadmap for in-house attorneys to effectively address their unique challenges while safeguarding their organizations' interests and patients' well-being. …
Deep Partnerships—Having Outside Relationships Are Critical to Getting the Internal Work Right
Kathleen Premo, Epstein Becker Green
While in-house counsel are under pressure to manage a tight legal budget, it is critical that they ensure that their outside advisors truly know the internal business leadership, business goals, and business challenges. Find a firm that understands the regulations and risk of your business, and choose a business savvy and very accessible seasoned legal advisor who will be your right hand. They should be willing to take your calls after hours and be available for spur of the moment brainstorming sessions. They should care about your business and how to help you balance the work on your plate. If you can find someone who has prior experience as a General Counsel or at least in an in-house legal department, even better. This individual is your buffer from the chaos of your in-house world. They are a legal sherpa who walks side by side with you to plot out the resources, timing, and navigation for summiting the issues at hand. They will be available to consult with when you need to figure out the best path for a legal problem or even a safe confidant when internal dynamics prove challenging, or you need to test out a approach.
Even more important, pull them in and keep them informed. As they build a deep understanding of the company, they can use this institutional knowledge to stand in your shoes and brief the outside attorneys assigned to the project on the relevant facts and desired outcomes thereby saving you time and producing a tailored product that takes your specific business needs into account. When there is an urgent issue, whether an investigation or a business transaction, they can be an informed collaborative lifeline to help you mobilize quickly and provide immediate support. Finally, by being in the trenches with you, they will be there to share your challenges, frustrations, and victories and sometimes that is half the battle!
