WHAT LAWYERS CAN DO FOR THEIR CLIENTS

Rob Hassett
Suellen W. Bergman
Hassett Cohen Goldstein & Port, LLP
990 Hammond Drive, Suite 990
Atlanta, GA 30328
(770) 393-0990
http://www.internetlegal.com

Background and Summary

This is a brief summary of some of the services that lawyers can provide for their clients. (2 pages)

There are a number of ways in which attorneys providing legal services in computer software, entertainment, internet, copyright, and trademark areas can help their clients. The services provided will vary from client to client depending on their needs. Services may include:

(1) Advice regarding deal points. Many times, because of the number of deals attorneys focusing in an area will have worked on, they will have a better feel for what is customary in a particular industry than do their clients and can provide advice in that regard.

(2) Representation and negotiation. Skilled negotiation can make a difference especially if there are skilled negotiators on both sides. Skilled negotiators are more likely to reach creative solutions that are beneficial to both sides.

(3) Legal advice. Laws in these areas are complicated and many times are counter-intuitive. Knowledge of applicable law is frequently important and in some cases of overwhelming importance to business decisions and to decisions relating to agreements.

(4) Writing agreements. Agreements should be written clearly, tightly, and so that judges and/or arbitrators outside the industry will understand them, hopefully on the first or second reading.

(5) Creating structure. Much business today involves intellectual property; in effect "virtual assets." The structure of the company, the talent of its employees, its trademarks, computer software, scripts, trade secrets, and similar items are all the company has. In fact these are generally the most valuable companies today. Attorneys that are experienced with these kinds of business can help these companies start off with a good foundation, hire and keep valuable employees and protect the rights they need to protect in order to increase the value of the company.

(7) Lawsuits and trials. Trial and litigation experience is always essential in determining when a lawsuit is necessary, in determining strategy, and handling the litigation and trial itself. Because lawsuits are extremely expensive and time consuming, lawyers should always make a concerted effort to avoid litigation, but sometimes, because of the nature of the situation or because of the bad faith of another party, litigation cannot be avoided.

The information above is provided for general educational purposes and not as legal advice. Laws in areas in which we practice change continually and also vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Therefore no visitor to our site should rely on any of the articles provided for legal advice, but should always consult their own attorney regarding legal matters.

© 1997, Rob Hassett, Atlanta, Georgia. All Right Reserved