Because The Widget Co specializes in equipment manufactured for automobiles and has recently been awarded a subcontract for parts to be used in hybrid automobiles, it is essential that the counsel to be retained has a focus on Industrial Law, particularly relating to Contract Law. Intellectual property may be another factor to be considered in reviewing the subcontract, and the company’s tax structure may need to be readdressed. To ensure that any legal recommendation from counsel is in accordance with the ethos of The Widget Co, the selection process sought legal sources that identified a similar ethos of integrity, sustainability, quality and clear communication. One further factor to consider is that, while The Widget Co currently has been awarded one subcontract, the hybrid automobile industry is a rapidly-growing business, both nationally and internationally. Therefore it is feasible that The Widget Co is poised for exponential growth.
The Uniform Commercial Code (Cornell) has standardized much of contract law, however the legal counsel retained by The Widget Co must be familiar also with the relevant state legislation and relevant industrial codes, as well as the bigger picture of the global automotive construction market. DLA Piper fits this criteria.
Familiar with both US law and practices overseas, DLA Piper provide services in Contract Law, Intellectual Property, Tax Structuring and Business and Industry Law. While a global company, DLA Piper describe their commitment to communities as “Everything Matters” (DLA Piper 2012) with goals to reduce the firm’s environmental impact, conduct pro bono work to ensure quality access to justice, and building a diverse workforce to “overcome entrenched disadvantage” (DLA Piper 2012). DLA Piper also state that their key clients include “emerging companies developing industry-leading technologies” (DLA Piper “Facts and Figures”)which fits with the emerging technology of hybrid vehicles. A further benefit is that as The Widget Co expands it may choose to build partnerships internationally. DLA Piper, with offices in many countries, will have the professional associations to be able to resource The Widget Co wherever future business is conducted.
Hourly rates and retainers are commensurate with a global law firm. The fixed fee offered by DLA Piper means The Widget Co can address the issue at hand with confidence, and an ongoing relationship will be established where DLA Piper is familiar with The Widget Co’s company structure, clients, projects and ethos. Engaging a firm with the breadth and depth of professional knowledge of DLA Piper will not only address the instance of reviewing the current subcontract, but establish a relationship with counsel that will be advantageous as The Widget Co continues its extraordinary growth.
Therefore it is recommended that The Widget Co set up an initial interview with DLA Piper with the aim of reviewing the subcontract relating to parts for hybrid automobiles. It is recommended that a review of DLA Piper’s performance be conducted after the subcontract is ratified, and if agreeable, a longer-term engagement be considered.
References
DLA Piper “Local Responsibility Global Reach” (2012). Web. Accessed 14 March 2012. http://www.dlapiper.com/global/corporate_responsibility/
DLA Piper “Facts and Figures (2012). Web. Accessed 14 March 2012. http://www.dlapiper.com/global/about/facts
“Uniform Commercial Code”, (2003) Legal Information Institute: Cornell University Law School. Web. Accessed 14 March 2012.
HG.org Legal Directories. (2012). Web. Accessed 14 March 2012. http://www.hg.org/
