The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to plan strategically for your business’s growth and protection. One of the smartest moves you can make as a business owner in 2026 is to hire experienced general counsel. Early, proactive legal guidance can help your business avoid costly mistakes, reduce risks, and set the foundation for long-term success.

If you haven’t connected with an experienced business attorney yet, there’s no better time than now to contact the experienced attorneys at Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd., LPA.

What Does General Counsel Mean?

General counsel (sometimes called in-house counsel) is an attorney or a team of attorneys who serve as the primary legal advisor for a business. Unlike lawyers you call only during a crisis, general counsel provides ongoing legal guidance on a wide range of business matters, including:

• Contracts and agreements
• Employment and labor issues
• Regulatory compliance
• Risk management and dispute prevention
• Strategic planning aligned with business goals

Having general counsel means your business has a trusted legal partner who understands your company inside and out, providing advice proactively rather than reactively. This can save time, reduce legal costs, and help you make more informed decisions that support long-term growth.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Connect with Your Attorney

Many business owners wait until a problem arises before reaching out to an attorney. But the best time to connect is before issues appear. The beginning of the year is the ideal moment to:

• Review contracts and agreements to ensure your business is fully protected
• Update company policies and procedures for compliance and governance
• Plan for growth, expansion, or new initiatives that may involve permits, licensing, or liability considerations
• Share your business goals and long-term vision so your attorney understands where you want to take your company and can provide tailored, strategic guidance
• Identify and mitigate potential risks before they become legal problems
• Set a strategy for potential disputes to save time, money, and protect your reputation

The Value of Experienced Attorneys

Partnering with a law firm that understands both complex business litigation and general counsel services gives your company a real advantage. Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook has a team of experienced attorneys who provide trusted guidance for numerous businesses across Ohio. They help companies:

• Minimize legal risks
• Resolve disputes efficiently
• Strategically plan for growth based on your business objectives

Take Action Now: Make This Year the Year You Protect and Grow Your Business

There’s no better time than the start of the year to connect with our experienced attorneys and establish general counsel for your company. Establishing a strong relationship now means your business will have proactive legal support throughout the year, aligned with your goals and vision.

If you are a business owner looking to partner with a trusted law firm, contact Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook today at (614) 534-1355 for a free consultation. Start 2026 with a legal strategy that safeguards your business, reduces risks, and positions your company for success.

Micah S. Fretz is a law clerk at Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd., LPA.

Disclaimers: Artificial intelligence is used as a tool to supplement, enhance, make suggestions, and generate blog language from the thoughts, ideas, and opinions of our human lawyers. The final product is reviewed and edited by an attorney.

The information presented here has been prepared by Lardiere McNair for promotional and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. This information is not intended to provide, and receipt of it does not constitute legal advice. Nor does the receipt of this material create an attorney/client relationship. An attorney client relationship is not established until such time as Lardiere McNair enters into a written engagement agreement with a specific client for a specific legal matter.