Sales teams and legal (whether in-house or outside counsel) don’t always get along. With legal often viewed as “standing in the way” of closing deals and earning commissions, it’s no wonder some sales people feel this way. However, it’s worthwhile to bridge the gap between these two important areas of a business.
Pausing to have the legal team work through contractual edits is critical to ensuring the company’s interests are protected in every sale. Or, at the least, the team can identify and quantify the risks before signing the agreement.
Rushing to close sales without input from legal can lead to contracts that create future liability issues for the company. Problems often stem from provisions (or lack thereof) around:
- Indemnities
- Limitations of liability
- Warranties
To bridge the gap between sales and legal, there are steps that both teams can take. Before a legal review, the sales team can verify that a contract’s business terms are correct – or clarify if certain terms need approval and from whom. Taking the time to review the business terms will significantly expedite the legal review.
When sales and legal have an ongoing partnership, contract negotiations run more efficiently. The company is the winner in this scenario: the sales department meets its goals, and they have collaborated with the legal team to ensure they have effectively negotiated deals that protect the company’s interests.
Need Legal Services at the Speed of Business?
Let’s partner together. If you need legal counsel that understands your business as well as your need for a timely turnaround, give us a call at InTown Legal. We’re the go-to team for your company’s legal business needs. We’re responsive and efficient, down-to-earth, and have no legal bureaucracy to slow things down. Give us a call at 404-457-2076 or contact us online.
