The Cost of a Good Puppy

Sure enough, lawyers are expensive. And taking the time to review their work to make sure that it comports with your desires and values takes time. And, as with most developers, reading contracts can be a bit painful as well.

But ultimately, the harm that an overly aggressive and untrained lawyer can do to the potential long-term success of your studio makes this a required task and expense. Otherwise your relationships, both internal and external, can suffer.

And the more you engage in meaningful discussions with counsel about your business goals and values, the more likely they will be to incorporate your vision into the ongoing work that they do for your company.

The more you treat them like an unwanted hassle, the more likely they will be to simply do a quick hack job on your work, and what you are spending on them will not get you what you want or need.

Rest assured, the extra time and money you spend on your pet will be rewarded.

Care and Feeding

Often lawyers are strong assertive personality types. And frankly, that's exactly what you want on your side when things get tough.

But this can also create a problem if the studio head is less assertive, as is often the case in a creative business like ours. Communicate your vision and your passion for what you are doing to your lawyer.

It will give them insight into your business and a way that nothing else will. It will ultimately make them a valuable asset to your management team, not just an unwanted expense.

You should consider throwing them a bone every once in a while too. I always let my clients know that in addition to getting paid, I require a boxed copy of any projects that I am involved in and a mention in the credits. Thoughtful perks like that make for a loyal companion, and it costs little or nothing to provide these sorts of "bones."

You are the Master

Remember that your attorney should be your trusted counsel. But ultimately, the decisions are yours to make, not theirs. Take their counsel and value it.

But do not just abdicate your decision-making to their advice. It may be easier, but, as in the opening example above, it can lead to situations where your lawyer's best advice may turn out to be bad advice in terms of your business goals and the manner in which you wish to manage your company or working relationships.

If you don't make the final decisions on these business matters, you may end up bruising your internal relationships with staff through an overly oppressive employee agreement or even losing business due to an unreasonable lack of flexibility, like that engine developer did.

A Good Pet is Worth the Effort

I'm not saying that you need to take your lawyer for a walk every day. But a little extra training and thoughtfulness will make for a loyal and long term relationship that will serve you and your studio well. Get them to understand the culture of the industry and your company. In the long run it will be well worth the extra time and money you spend in the process. You will end up with a loyal obedient companion who will not bite you, your employees, or your business partners!

Til next time, GL & HF!

(© 2007 Thomas H. Buscaglia. All rights reserved.)