Why MSP Owners Should Build a Long-Term Relationship With a Lawyer
▶️ Watch: Trusted Advisors: Your Lawyer
Prefer to read? The key ideas from the video are expanded below.
One thing I’ve realized over time is that some of the most valuable business relationships are the ones you build before you actually need them.
I’d put a good lawyer pretty high on that list.
So why should an MSP owner build a relationship with a lawyer before there’s a legal problem?
Most business owners think about calling a lawyer only when something urgent comes up—a contract to sign, a dispute to settle, a deal that needs paperwork. The problem is that it’s hard to give great advice without much context about the business.
Why a Lawyer Who Knows Your Business Can Give Better Advice
When you work with a lawyer long-term, they can look at a situation through the lens of your goals, your history, and your risks. That context makes their counsel far more valuable than if you only brought them in cold when you’re in a pinch.
Yes, you could pull documents or contracts off the internet to save a few hundred bucks. I don’t, because the risk of a mistake costing me thousands later isn’t worth it. A generic document also does not necessarily account for the context of your business, what you are trying to accomplish, or the risks you are actually dealing with.
Why the Relationship Matters Before There’s a Problem
Think of it like a doctor. You could skip your annual checkup and only go in when you’re sick. But the value of having a doctor who knows your health baseline and sees you regularly is much greater. It’s the same with legal care.
Now, I’m not suggesting you invent work just to pay your lawyer. But the truth is, in business there’s always something:
· A contract you’re not quite sure about
· A document that seems unclear
· A new opportunity you’re weighing where a quick legal perspective could help
Small Legal Conversations Build Valuable Context
The conversations I have with my lawyer along the way—even the quick check-ins—are part of them learning my business. That familiarity compounds over time into better advice.
A good lawyer can also become a useful strategic sounding board because they already understand the business and the risks around the decision.
If you’re contemplating something big, sometimes just a half-hour call with your lawyer to bounce ideas around can save you from a costly mistake—or open your eyes to an opportunity you hadn’t thought about.
The real value comes from having somebody who already understands your business, your goals, and how you think before a big decision or problem shows up.
Don’t wait until something goes wrong to build that relationship. The more context your lawyer has before an urgent issue arrives, the more useful their advice can be when it really matters.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. Every business is different, and you should talk with your own professional about what makes sense for your situation.
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