In this practice simulation course, we will focus on the role of the General Counsel in an early-stage company. More specifically, we will look at this topic from the perspective of the General Counsel, who is also the first in-house counsel hired by the company. We will also invite guest lecturers from the startup community to share their experiences.
Some questions we will consider include:
How do you determine your initial priorities?
How do your priorities change over time?
Who is your client (or who are your clients)?
What are your roles as the General Counsel?
How and when do you build an internal legal team to support you?
What considerations go into the decision to handle work in-house vs. hiring outside counsel?
How do you balance the “ordinary course of business” with the special projects?
How do you get a “seat at the table” when big decisions are being made?