Some business managers believe they don't need their in-house legal counsel to attend business meetings and be involved in decision-making. They think they know when to call the lawyers in. "I'll call you when I'll need you, they say." The right answer comes from Wim Bossens, a seasoned in-house counsel (and good friend of mine): "Precisely, you need me to tell you when you need me." That is a very good point. Business managers, however talented and knowledgeable they may be, may not always be aware of the legal issues involved in their decisions and actions. There are legal risks they ignore. They may be incentivized to overlook legal obstacles in their rush to "get results" and "get things done". That's why you need the lawyer in the board room and at the management committee table.
Antoine Henry de Frahan
