Comprehensive Guide to Outside General Counsel for Pine Crest Businesses
Outside general counsel services provide ongoing legal support tailored to the day-to-day needs of businesses in Pine Crest and throughout Carter County, Tennessee. At Jay Johnson Law Firm, we focus on practical solutions that help business owners manage contracts, compliance, employment matters, and risk prevention. This introductory overview explains how outside counsel functions as a steady legal resource, delivering clear guidance without the overhead of an in-house legal department. Business leaders often prefer outside counsel for predictable cost structures, continuity of legal advice, and a partner who understands local and state legal frameworks affecting their operations.
When a Pine Crest company engages outside general counsel, it gains access to strategic legal planning that anticipates issues before they become disputes. Services commonly include contract drafting and negotiation, corporate governance support, regulatory compliance, and guidance on employment and commercial matters. Outside counsel can also coordinate with accountants and other advisors to ensure business decisions reflect legal realities. The role emphasizes long-term relationships built on understanding a client’s priorities, industry challenges, and growth objectives, helping entrepreneurs and established companies alike navigate Tennessee law with steady, informed advice.
Why Outside General Counsel Matters for Pine Crest Businesses
Outside general counsel serves as an affordable and practical alternative to hiring a full-time in-house lawyer for many Pine Crest businesses. By providing consistent legal attention, outside counsel reduces the risk of costly mistakes, helps manage regulatory obligations, and supports clearer, stronger contracts and agreements. This arrangement also offers businesses flexibility, with services scaled to current needs and budgets. Over time, a retained outside counselor becomes familiar with a company’s operations and goals, which leads to faster responses, better-informed decisions, and fewer surprises when legal challenges arise in Tennessee or in related business dealings.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Business Legal Support
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides business and corporate legal services to clients in Pine Crest, Carter County, and across Tennessee from its Hendersonville location. The firm focuses on practical legal support for companies of varied sizes, helping owners address everyday legal needs while planning for future growth. Attorneys at the firm have a record of representing clients in contract matters, governance issues, compliance counseling, and disputes when necessary. The team aims to deliver attentive service, timely communication, and sound legal judgment tailored to the realities of running a business in this region.
Understanding Outside General Counsel: Scope and Role
Outside general counsel arrangements typically begin with an assessment of a business’s current legal posture and ongoing needs. From there, the relationship is structured to provide routine legal tasks and advisory services, such as drafting policies, reviewing contracts, and offering guidance on employment matters. The goal is to embed legal thinking into business decisions so clients can act with confidence. Outside counsel can also step in when litigation or regulatory issues arise, coordinating outside litigation counsel if required and representing the client’s interests across different legal matters.
Costs and service models vary, with some businesses retaining counsel on a monthly basis while others purchase hourly advisory hours or project-based packages. A clear engagement agreement outlines the scope, billing terms, and communication expectations to avoid surprises. For Pine Crest companies, having outside counsel familiar with Tennessee law and local business practices provides valuable continuity. Regular check-ins, legal audits, and proactive drafting of key documents help reduce friction and support more efficient operations across the business lifecycle.
Defining Outside General Counsel and What It Entails
Outside general counsel refers to a law firm or attorney retained to act as a company’s primary legal advisor without being an in-house employee. Services include preventive legal advice, contract work, governance guidance, compliance monitoring, and assistance with commercial transactions. The arrangement emphasizes a long-term advisory relationship, where counsel becomes familiar with the business and can provide rapid, informed responses. This model suits businesses that need reliable legal support but prefer to avoid the expense and administrative burden of maintaining a dedicated in-house legal team.
Key Elements and Processes in an Outside Counsel Relationship
Successful outside counsel relationships are built on clear agreements, regular communication, and defined processes for handling routine legal needs and unexpected issues. Important elements include a scope of services, response time expectations, billing structure, conflict checks, and data security practices. Processes often involve onboarding to review existing contracts and policies, establishing recurring legal check-ins, and defining escalation paths for urgent matters. For Pine Crest businesses, these structured approaches help make legal services predictable, aligned with business goals, and easier to integrate into daily operations.
Key Terms and Glossary for Outside General Counsel
Understanding common terms helps business owners navigate their relationship with outside counsel. This glossary covers basic concepts such as retainer, scope of work, engagement letter, confidentiality agreements, and compliance review. Learning these terms makes it easier to evaluate proposals, compare service arrangements, and ensure the written agreement reflects expectations. For companies in Pine Crest, knowing the language of legal engagements reduces misunderstandings and supports a productive partnership that keeps legal risks manageable while enabling business growth under Tennessee law.
Retainer and Fee Arrangements
A retainer is an arrangement where a business pays a law firm in advance for ongoing legal services or reserves a portion of time. Fee arrangements vary and may include a fixed monthly retainer, hourly billing, or flat fees for specific projects. The engagement letter should clearly define billing practices, what is included in the retainer, and how additional services will be charged. For Pine Crest businesses, choosing the right fee structure promotes predictable legal costs and ensures the level of service needed for routine matters and occasional projects.
Engagement Letter
An engagement letter is a written agreement that outlines the scope of representation, billing terms, responsibilities of the client and the firm, and communication protocols. It helps set expectations about deliverables, timelines, and confidentiality. The document also addresses conflict-of-interest checks and termination terms. Having a well-drafted engagement letter protects both parties and clarifies how routine matters and unexpected issues will be handled, which is particularly helpful for businesses in smaller communities such as Pine Crest.
Scope of Services
The scope of services defines which legal tasks the outside counsel will provide and which tasks fall outside the agreement. Typical items in scope include contract drafting and review, policy development, compliance advice, and representation in certain disputes. Exclusions might include specialized litigation or regulatory investigations unless specifically agreed upon. Defining the scope up front ensures efficient use of time and resources and prevents confusion when new legal needs emerge for the business.
Confidentiality and Data Handling
Confidentiality provisions address how sensitive company information will be protected by counsel. This covers client communications, proprietary documents, and any data accessed while providing services. Many engagement letters include specific data security practices, document retention policies, and guidelines for sharing information with third parties. For Pine Crest companies, clear confidentiality terms help maintain trust and protect business assets when outside counsel is handling contracts, employee information, or strategic plans.
Comparing Legal Options: Outside Counsel, In-House, and Project-Based Counsel
When deciding how to meet legal needs, Pine Crest businesses often weigh outside counsel against hiring in-house counsel or using lawyers on a project basis. In-house counsel provides immediate availability but adds salary, benefits, and overhead. Project-based counsel can be cost-effective for isolated transactions, while outside counsel offers a balance of continuity and flexibility. Each option should be evaluated based on volume of legal work, budget, desire for ongoing strategic guidance, and the complexity of regulatory exposure. The best choice aligns legal resources with business goals and cash flow realities.
When Limited or Project-Based Legal Help Is Appropriate:
Short-Term Projects and Transactions
A limited approach fits firms that need assistance with a single substantial transaction or a short-term project, such as negotiating a lease, buying equipment, or drafting a one-off contract. These engagements are typically billed on a flat-fee or hourly basis and do not require ongoing retainer agreements. For businesses without continuous legal work, this model controls costs while still providing access to professional legal drafting and negotiation. It is an efficient option when a discrete legal task requires focused attention to protect the business’s interests.
Occasional Need for Specialized Advice
Project-based legal services are also suitable when a company occasionally requires specialized advice that does not justify a standing relationship. Examples include one-time regulatory filings, a specific employment matter, or a discrete intellectual property filing. This approach allows a business to engage attorneys for particular expertise on demand without committing to ongoing fees. When needs are intermittent, maintaining flexibility and controlling expenses make the limited approach appealing for many Pine Crest enterprises.
Why a Comprehensive Outside Counsel Arrangement Can Be Valuable:
Ongoing Operational and Compliance Needs
A comprehensive outside counsel arrangement benefits businesses with frequent legal work or ongoing compliance obligations, such as regular contract drafting, employment guidance, or industry-specific regulations. Having one firm handle these matters reduces fragmentation and ensures consistent legal positions across transactions. Continuous legal support helps identify patterns of risk, streamline policy development, and provide faster responses during urgent situations. For Pine Crest companies growing in size or complexity, this approach brings continuity and reduces the administrative burden of sourcing counsel for each new issue.
Strategic Growth and Ongoing Transactions
Businesses pursuing expansion, recurring contracts, or partnerships often find a comprehensive arrangement beneficial because counsel can plan proactively for future transactions. With a retained relationship, the attorney gains institutional knowledge and can advise on structuring deals, compliance systems, and governance practices in ways that support long-term objectives. This continuity improves efficiency, reduces negotiation friction, and helps maintain consistent terms across agreements, which is especially useful when operating in multiple jurisdictions or engaging with repeat vendors and customers.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Outside Counsel Approach
A comprehensive counsel relationship promotes consistency in legal decisions, which helps prevent conflicting positions in contracts and policies. It also delivers faster turnaround times because counsel understands the business and its priorities. Predictable billing arrangements common to retained relationships allow better budgeting for legal costs. Over time, counsel’s familiarity with client operations reduces time spent on onboarding and research, allowing more efficient handling of routine and emergent matters. These benefits combine to make legal services more integrated with daily business planning and operations.
Another advantage is risk mitigation through ongoing review and proactive updates to contracts and internal policies. Regular legal checkups can identify potentially costly exposures and recommend changes before they escalate. Retained counsel can also coordinate responses to disputes and arrange for outside litigation counsel if needed, preserving strategic consistency. For Pine Crest companies focused on steady growth, this approach supports better decision making, reduces surprises, and provides a dependable legal partner for both routine needs and significant transactions.
Consistency and Faster Responsiveness
When a single law firm serves as outside counsel, clients benefit from consistent legal positions across agreements and better institutional memory. This leads to faster responses because the attorneys already understand the business context, previous negotiations, and preferred contract terms. Reduced onboarding time translates into cost savings and improved efficiency. For companies in Pine Crest, consistent counsel helps maintain clarity in vendor and customer relationships and supports smoother handling of recurring legal matters across the organization.
Cost Predictability and Strategic Planning
Retainer or monthly arrangements provide greater cost predictability, which is useful for budgeting and financial planning. With predictable legal costs, business owners can allocate resources more effectively and avoid budget shortfalls when legal issues arise. Additionally, ongoing counsel supports strategic planning by integrating legal considerations into business decisions. Counsel can advise on governance, contract strategy, and compliance in ways that support long-term objectives, which helps Pine Crest businesses position themselves for sustainable growth.
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Practical Tips for Working with Outside General Counsel
Start with a clear engagement letter
Begin every outside counsel relationship by documenting the scope of services, billing terms, confidentiality expectations, and communication procedures in a written engagement letter. This reduces misunderstandings and sets expectations for how routine matters and emergencies are handled. A clear agreement also outlines responsibilities for conflict checks and data security. For Pine Crest businesses, taking the time to define these elements results in a smoother working relationship, more efficient legal processes, and better alignment between legal work and business priorities.
Maintain organized records and centralize documents
Schedule regular legal check-ins
Plan recurring check-ins with your outside counsel to review ongoing obligations, discuss upcoming contracts, and update policies as needed. These sessions provide an opportunity to identify legal risks early, prioritize tasks, and plan for future transactions. Regular communication fosters a deeper understanding of business goals and makes counsel more effective when urgent matters arise. For businesses in Pine Crest, predictable meetings help integrate legal considerations into operational planning and support steady, compliant growth.
Reasons Pine Crest Companies Choose Outside General Counsel
Companies select outside general counsel for a mix of practical, financial, and strategic reasons. This model lowers overhead compared with hiring full-time in-house legal staff while preserving access to experienced legal guidance. It also allows businesses to scale services to match current needs, pay for only the legal work they actually use, and maintain flexibility as operations change. Outside counsel relationships are especially useful for business owners who prefer predictable billing and a trusted legal partner familiar with Tennessee business law and local market considerations.
Another reason is continuity and institutional knowledge. A retained firm builds an understanding of the company’s operations, stakeholders, and risk profile, which leads to faster advice and more consistent legal positions. This continuity helps during negotiations, contract renewals, and when responding to disputes. For Pine Crest businesses, maintaining a steady legal partner preserves historical context, reduces repetitive onboarding, and provides a reliable resource when strategic decisions require legal input.
Common Situations Where Outside Counsel Is Valuable
Outside counsel often becomes necessary when a business faces recurring contract work, regular regulatory compliance tasks, employment issues, or ongoing vendor and customer negotiations. Companies expanding operations, preparing for mergers or sales, or formalizing internal governance structures also benefit from continuous legal support. Additionally, when businesses encounter disputes or threatened litigation, having counsel already familiar with the company allows for immediate, coordinated responses. In each case, outside counsel adds value by offering consistent legal guidance tailored to the company’s needs.
Recurring Contract Drafting and Review
Regular contracts with vendors, customers, and service providers require reliable review and drafting to protect business interests and manage risk. Outside counsel streamlines this process by maintaining preferred contract templates, negotiating terms aligned with company policies, and ensuring clauses reflect current law. This ongoing attention reduces negotiation time and helps preserve consistent standards across agreements. For Pine Crest businesses handling multiple contracts, having counsel manage these matters reduces legal uncertainty and supports efficient commercial operations.
Employment and HR-Related Matters
Employment issues, including hiring documents, employee policies, wage and hour compliance, and dispute prevention strategies, benefit from ongoing legal oversight. Outside counsel can draft employee handbooks, advise on termination procedures, and review employment contracts to reduce potential liability. Regular counsel involvement ensures policies remain current with Tennessee law and helps address personnel matters with legal clarity. This proactive approach supports smoother HR operations and reduces the likelihood of costly misunderstandings or litigation down the road.
Regulatory Compliance and Licensing
Businesses subject to industry regulations and local licensing requirements need continuing legal attention to stay compliant. Outside counsel monitors changes in applicable rules, assists with filings and permits, and advises on operational adjustments to remain within legal boundaries. For Pine Crest operations, maintaining compliance can reduce disruption and fines, and ensure uninterrupted business activity. Regular legal reviews help identify regulatory risks early and enable timely corrective measures that keep the business aligned with state and local obligations.
Outside General Counsel Serving Pine Crest and Carter County
Jay Johnson Law Firm is available to serve Pine Crest businesses with outside counsel arrangements designed to fit each company’s size and needs. The firm provides practical legal support from Hendersonville and has experience helping clients across Tennessee manage contracts, regulatory matters, and employment issues. With clear communication and a focus on predictability, the firm aims to make legal services accessible and useful to business owners who want steady guidance without the overhead of an in-house legal department.
Why Pine Crest Businesses Retain Our Outside Counsel Services
Clients choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for its client-focused approach to business law and practical solutions that support daily operations. The firm prioritizes clear communication, responsive service, and advice that aligns with business objectives. By taking time to understand each client’s specific needs, the firm delivers tailored recommendations on contracts, compliance, and governance matters. This approach helps business owners make informed decisions and manage legal risk while staying focused on operations and growth in Tennessee.
The firm structures outside counsel relationships to be transparent and predictable, with clear engagement terms and billing practices. Clients benefit from streamlined processes for routine matters and timely attention to urgent issues. Regular legal check-ins and document reviews help identify potential problems early and reduce disruptions. Jay Johnson Law Firm works to be an accessible legal resource for Pine Crest businesses, providing practical guidance that supports long-term stability and effective day-to-day management of legal obligations.
Communication and practical problem solving are central to the firm’s approach. Whether assisting with contract negotiations, employment matters, or compliance questions, the firm aims to present clear options and recommended next steps. This makes it easier for business owners to weigh legal considerations alongside operational priorities. Serving clients throughout Carter County and Tennessee, the firm strives to be a dependable legal partner that helps businesses manage risk and seize opportunities with thoughtful legal support.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm for Outside General Counsel Services
How the Legal Process Works with Our Outside Counsel Services
Our process begins with an initial consultation to assess obligations and priorities, followed by an onboarding phase where we review existing contracts and corporate documents. We then propose an engagement structure tailored to the client’s needs, whether that is a retainer, monthly plan, or project-based arrangement. After agreement, we set up regular communication channels and begin providing agreed services. The firm emphasizes practical, timely advice and regularly reviews the arrangement to ensure it continues to meet the client’s evolving needs.
Step One: Initial Assessment and Onboarding
The first step is a thorough assessment of the business’s current legal position, including contracts, governance documents, policies, and compliance obligations. This onboarding process identifies immediate concerns, priorities, and documentation gaps. We document key contacts and establish secure methods for sharing materials. The goal is to build a baseline understanding so counsel can deliver consistent, targeted support. This initial review sets the stage for efficient ongoing service tailored to the company’s operations and risk profile.
Review of Contracts and Corporate Documents
We perform a detailed review of active contracts, corporate formation documents, and governance policies to identify risks and opportunities for improvement. This review helps prioritize drafting updates, create template agreements, and streamline negotiation positions. By understanding existing obligations, counsel can recommend practical changes to reduce exposure and improve clarity in business relationships. The review also establishes a consistent approach to contract language that will be used in future negotiations to protect the business’s interests.
Identification of Immediate Legal Risks
During onboarding we identify urgent legal issues that may require immediate attention, such as noncompliant agreements, expired permits, or employment policy gaps. Addressing these issues promptly helps prevent escalation and potential penalties. We prioritize remediation steps and provide a timeline for implementation. Handling immediate risks early allows the business to operate with greater confidence and reduces the likelihood of disputes or regulatory problems that could disrupt operations in Pine Crest and beyond.
Step Two: Ongoing Legal Management and Advice
After onboarding, the firm provides ongoing legal management tailored to the agreed scope of work, including contract drafting, compliance monitoring, policy updates, and advisory meetings. This phase focuses on integrating legal thinking into business operations to prevent issues and support strategic initiatives. Counsel remains available for negotiations, employee matters, and transactional support, adapting services as the company’s needs evolve. Regular reviews ensure the relationship continues to align with the business’s goals and budget.
Regular Check-Ins and Policy Updates
We schedule regular meetings to review active matters, update policies, and discuss upcoming transactions. These sessions keep counsel informed about changes in the business and allow for timely adjustments to legal strategies. Periodic policy reviews ensure internal documents remain current with Tennessee law and best practices. Ongoing communication prevents surprises and ensures that legal advice stays aligned with operational priorities and anticipated growth plans.
Proactive Risk Management and Training
Proactive risk management includes routine audits, contract standardization, and guidance on employment practices to reduce exposure. The firm can also provide training for management or HR personnel on key legal topics to improve compliance and minimize mistakes. These preventative measures are designed to reduce the frequency and severity of disputes, creating a more resilient operation that can respond to challenges with clarity and confidence.
Step Three: Issue Resolution and Strategic Support
When disputes or complex matters arise, our approach emphasizes swift evaluation and coordinated action. We analyze the situation, recommend a strategy, and, if necessary, coordinate with litigation counsel while maintaining continuity in representation. We also assist with strategic transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, or major contracts, ensuring legal considerations are integrated with business objectives. The goal is to resolve issues efficiently while protecting the company’s interests and preserving long-term relationships where possible.
Coordinating Dispute Response
If a dispute occurs, we quickly assess options and coordinate the response, including negotiation, settlement discussions, or referral to litigation counsel when needed. Maintaining continuity in representation helps preserve institutional knowledge and ensures a consistent approach to resolving the matter. We prioritize efficient resolution strategies that protect business relationships and limit disruption while advocating for favorable outcomes aligned with the company’s goals.
Supporting Major Transactions and Growth Initiatives
For significant transactions such as asset purchases, mergers, or strategic partnerships, we provide targeted legal support to structure deals, negotiate terms, and perform necessary due diligence. Counsel coordinates with accountants and other advisors to ensure comprehensive evaluation of risks and benefits. By integrating legal planning into growth initiatives, the firm helps businesses execute deals that support long-term objectives while minimizing avoidable legal exposures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outside General Counsel
What does outside general counsel do for a small business?
Outside general counsel provides ongoing legal advice for everyday business needs, including contract drafting and review, policy development, compliance guidance, and strategic planning. For a small business, outside counsel acts as a consistent legal partner that helps manage routine matters and prevents avoidable problems. Counsel often becomes familiar with the company’s operations, enabling faster and more tailored responses to questions and transactions. The relationship can be structured to match the business’s budget and workload, whether through retainer agreements, monthly plans, or project-based engagements. This flexibility allows small businesses to obtain professional legal support without hiring full-time legal staff, making legal services more accessible and practical.
How are outside counsel services typically billed?
Billing models for outside counsel vary and commonly include hourly invoicing, fixed monthly retainers, or flat fees for specific projects. Hourly billing suits irregular needs, while a retainer provides predictable monthly costs for ongoing services. Flat fees are useful for clearly defined transactions such as contract drafting or a single negotiation. Choosing the right model depends on the volume and predictability of legal work, cash flow considerations, and the desired level of ongoing advice. Discussing options during the initial consultation helps select a structure that aligns with the business’s operational rhythms and financial planning.
Can outside counsel handle employment law matters?
Yes, outside counsel can assist with many employment law matters, including drafting employment agreements, creating employee handbooks, advising on termination procedures, and addressing wage and hour questions. Counsel provides guidance aimed at reducing liability and improving workplace policies to align with Tennessee law and best practices. For situations involving disputes or litigation, outside counsel coordinates with litigation counsel as needed and advises on strategies to resolve claims efficiently. Regular legal oversight in employment matters helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the likelihood of costly disputes.
Do I need a retainer to work with outside counsel?
A retainer is not always required but is common for ongoing relationships to secure prioritized access and predictable billing. Retainers can take the form of monthly fees that cover a set amount of legal time or services. For businesses with regular legal needs, a retainer often provides better budgeting control and faster responses for routine matters. For one-off projects or limited engagements, firms may accept flat-fee arrangements or hourly billing without a retainer. During the initial consultation, discuss available billing options to find an arrangement that fits your needs and financial preferences.
How quickly can outside counsel respond in an emergency?
Response times depend on the agreed communication protocols and the nature of the emergency. Retained counsel typically provides faster response because they are already familiar with the business and its documents. Engagement agreements can specify expected response times for urgent matters to ensure quick action when issues arise. In urgent situations, counsel prioritizes containment and immediate next steps while briefing the client on risks and potential strategies. Having an established relationship reduces onboarding time and enables more efficient crisis management tailored to the company’s circumstances.
Will outside counsel manage litigation if it occurs?
Outside counsel often coordinates litigation response by evaluating claims, advising on strategy, and, where necessary, referring or working with litigation counsel to represent the company in court. Retained counsel provides continuity and context during disputes, ensuring consistent positions and efficient case handling. If litigation is anticipated, outside counsel helps with immediate risk mitigation and preservation of documents, while arranging specialized trial counsel as needed. This coordination helps streamline the defense and ensures legal strategy aligns with the business’s broader goals.
How does outside counsel help with regulatory compliance?
Outside counsel helps maintain regulatory compliance by monitoring applicable laws, advising on required filings, and updating policies and procedures to reflect legal changes. Counsel can conduct periodic compliance audits and recommend practical process improvements to reduce regulatory exposure. By integrating compliance into routine business practices and providing clear guidance on licensing, reporting, and industry-specific rules, outside counsel reduces the risk of fines or interruptions. Ongoing oversight keeps a business aligned with state and local obligations in Tennessee and helps prepare for regulatory inquiries if they occur.
What should be included in an engagement letter?
An engagement letter should clearly define the scope of representation, the billing arrangement, confidentiality terms, and responsibilities of both the client and the law firm. It is also important to spell out communication expectations, conflict-of-interest provisions, and termination procedures to avoid misunderstandings. Including data security measures, document retention policies, and the process for handling outside vendors can further protect both parties. A clear engagement letter sets expectations, supports efficient collaboration, and provides a reliable framework for the ongoing legal relationship.
How do I choose the right billing arrangement?
Choosing a billing arrangement depends on the predictability of legal work, budget concerns, and the desired level of access. A monthly retainer provides stable budgeting for businesses with consistent needs, while hourly billing suits irregular or unpredictable workloads. Flat fees may be ideal for defined projects with clear deliverables. Discuss anticipated needs and cash flow with potential counsel to evaluate which model best aligns with your business. The right choice supports both financial planning and the level of legal responsiveness required for day-to-day operations.
Can outside counsel support multi-state operations?
Yes, outside counsel can support businesses operating in multiple states, but it may require coordination with attorneys licensed in those states. Counsel can handle many corporate and transactional matters and coordinate with local counsel for state-specific litigation or regulatory work. This coordinated approach ensures consistent strategy while meeting local practice requirements. When multi-state operations are anticipated, it is important to discuss geographic scope during onboarding so counsel can assemble the appropriate team and outside resources. Clear planning ensures legal coverage across jurisdictions while maintaining a central point of responsibility for overarching strategy.