Paul Criswell Legal Counsel
Legal Services & Mediation
What I do
Independent General Counsel Services
Contract Review
Corporate Maintenance
Dispute Resolution
Mergers & Acquisitions
Privacy Compliance
Negotiation
HR Compliance
Business Counsel
International Expansion
HIPAA & GDPR
Compliance
Contract Drafting
In House Training
Company Formation
Technology Protection
In October 2017 my client, The Qt Company, asked me to speak at their Worldwide Customer Summit in Berlin. My address comprised an analysis of Open Source Software licensing, focusing on the new LGPL v.3.
An in-house counsel develops a thorough understanding of the company and an up to the minute picture of its business. This allows them to be pro-active in offering advice and programs. Inside counsel are physically present and easily accessible for formal or informal advice. In-house counsel can provide many of the legal services that would otherwise be referred to outside counsel, and inside counsel cost considerable less. Nevertheless, smaller companies often cannot afford full time in-house counsel. I work on an as-needed basis, working at the company premises and at my office, to accomplish projects as requested by management. I offer the type of legal advice and services that are provided only by experienced, expert, in-house counsel.
Mediation
Mediation Services
Third party mediation is an effective and efficient process for resolving disputes. For thirty years I have negotiated the resolution of disputes for my clients. And while I have vigorously supported my client’s position, I have generally kept them out of court. Litigation is long, expensive and unpredictable, and should be considered only as a last resort.
But sometimes, even the best counsel cannot negotiate a resolution on their own. There may be structural problems, communications issues or an overabundance of pride, anger or emotions. A mediator helps parties to cut through all of that. A mediator does not “divide by two,” but rather helps the parties devise their own, carefully crafted solution.
“I worked with Paul Criswell from the inception of Ardent Concepts. Paul had the judgement to work with our technology start-up and the expertise to help sell the company at a premium price. As CEO, I had confidence that the legal aspects of our transactions were carefully executed. He could not have done a more efficient job. It is always pleasure to work with Paul and his team.”
—Gordon Vinther, CEO Ardent Concepts, Inc.
“Paul is a very intelligent, in-house trained attorney who consistently comes up with innovative, yet legally sound strategies to solve complex legal matters. He approaches his client’s issues from a “get the business done” standpoint. I recommend Paul to any high technology corporation looking for sound, practical legal advise.”
—Bob Kelligrew, Vice President & General Counsel at Stratus Technologies, Inc.
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Company formation and governance
Get your company up and running properly and efficiently. Keep your company in good standing and understand the governance formalities.
Dispute Resolution
Negotiate rather than litigate. Protect your true interests. Save time and money. Whether looking for someone to represent you or to act as a third party neutral, I can help.
Contract drafting and negotiation
Present your customers with contracts that accurately and succinctly describe the business deal. Set proper expectations. Argue only about things that matter. Enhance your business relationships.
Strategic Transactions
Asset sales, stock sales or mergers. Joint ventures. Exclusive licenses. Buying or selling, do the deal efficiently and effectively.