Frequently Asked Questions
What is an outside general counsel, and how does it work?
An outside general counsel is an experienced business attorney who serves as your company's legal department on a flexible, as-needed basis, without the cost of a full-time hire. Harborview Law provides on-demand general counsel services from Newport Beach, California, advising businesses on contracts, corporate governance, compliance, and risk management.
How much does an outside general counsel cost compared to a full-time attorney?
Outside general counsel typically costs a fraction of a full-time in-house attorney's salary, because you only pay for the legal support you use. Harborview Law offers flexible billing with monthly retainers, flat fees, or hourly rates, so businesses get senior-level counsel scaled to their budget.
When should a growing business hire a general counsel?
Consider a general counsel when legal questions become routine: frequent contracts, commercial leases, regulatory requirements, hiring growth, fundraising, or an upcoming acquisition. A fractional general counsel like Harborview Law gives growing companies proactive legal guidance years before a full-time in-house hire makes financial sense.
What types of businesses does Harborview Law represent?
Harborview Law represents small and mid-size businesses, entrepreneurs, executives, and commercial property owners, primarily in Southern California. Clients include professional service firms, creative agencies, property management companies, event venues, and property owners hosting telecommunications infrastructure.
Can Harborview Law help me choose between an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp in California?
Yes. Entity selection affects personal liability, taxes, governance, and long-term flexibility, so Harborview Law treats it as a strategic decision rather than a filing task. The firm advises California founders on choosing and forming the right entity, then builds the governance practices that preserve its liability protection.
What does a commercial contract review include?
A contract review examines the terms that determine risk: payment and termination provisions, indemnification, limitations of liability, warranties, and dispute resolution. Harborview Law drafts, reviews, and negotiates vendor agreements, service contracts, purchase and sale agreements, and partnership deals for California businesses.
What should a property owner consider before signing a cell tower or rooftop antenna lease?
Before signing a telecom lease, property owners should evaluate rent escalations, lease term and renewal rights, the scope of easements, equipment and access rights, and termination provisions. Harborview Law's founder spent years as corporate counsel in the telecommunications infrastructure industry and negotiates these agreements to protect and maximize property value.
Does Harborview Law help landlords comply with California tenant protection laws like SB 1103?
Yes. California's SB 1103 added notice, translation, and cost-documentation requirements for leases with qualified commercial tenants. Harborview Law helps landlords and property managers update lease forms, meet notice deadlines, and document operating costs to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Does Harborview Law handle mergers and acquisitions for small and mid-size businesses?
Yes. Harborview Law guides buyers and sellers through due diligence, purchase agreements, and closing. Founder Jim Grass has led mergers, acquisitions, and refinancing transactions valued at over $600 million, bringing large-company deal experience to small and mid-size business transactions.
How do I get started with Harborview Law?
Start with a free consultation. Call +1 (949) 791-7764, email info@harborviewlaw.com, or use the contact form on the website. Harborview Law is located at 23 Corporate Plaza Drive, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660, and serves businesses throughout Southern California.
