During the acquisition of a smaller company, the due diligence process reveals possible environmental compliance violations. With a criminal indictment looming on the horizon, you must now make a decision: voluntary disclosure or internal investigations. Be prepared to act quickly and decisively, or your company could wind up down the drain.
Overcriminalization — specifically, the rise in criminal sanctions for regulatory violations — increases the risk that either you or your company will face a criminal charge. This is, in part, due to countless new regulations and broad prosecutorial discretion. Learn how outside criminal counsel can reduce your exposure to unexpected sanctions.
As corporations continue to focus on cost reduction and increased efficiency, a second wave of strategic initiatives has brought value back into the limelight. Legal departments and firms should work together to implement new practices that are mutually beneficial. You have two choices: Ride the wave or wait for it to crash down on top of you.
Focused Assessments (audits) are an inherent risk when importing goods into the United States. Besides creating an effective compliance program, corporations should consider joining the C-TPAT and ISA programs to foster a more collaborative approach with CBP. Read this article to help prove your client is capable of self-auditing.
Coupled with federal funding, joint ventures with universities or nonprofits often result in major discoveries having significant commercial implications. However, without clear contractual assignments, corporations could discover themselves in front of the Supreme Court. The article describes the proactive steps involved in protecting your company’s IP.
Would you purchase a car without taking it for a test drive? Would you proceed with an M&A transaction without conducting a thorough due diligence process? No, of course not; however, hasty individuals sometimes make foolish decisions. Learn the fate of MidSize Software Corporation, and consider these questions as you begin M&A due diligence.
Contrary to public belief, the use of stock images and “royalty free” licenses can pose a significant risk to your company. For instance, what restrictions does your company face for incorporating a stock image into its logo? Be sure to paint a clear picture now, or else your designer may not be the only one heading back to the drawing board.
Important points to consider about your current position and how to keep your job safe.
In today’s competitive global economy, in-house counsel are under constant pressure to deliver increased value to the client. This InfoPAK addresses a variety of methods for increasing value by improving relationships with outside counsel. It begins by outlining the steps that in-house counsel should take before retaining outside counsel, including setting goals and defining value, creating a strategic plan, and structuring operations to achieve success. The InfoPAK then examines the steps to take after a matter requiring outside counsel arises, including determining the scope of work required, choosing the right firm and fee-structure to maximize value to the client, managing the matter as it progresses, and evaluating performance once the matter is resolved.
The ACC Guide addresses a variety of methods for increasing value by improving relationships with outside counsel.