Comprehensive Guide to Outside General Counsel Services for Manchester Businesses
For business owners in Manchester, Tennessee, having access to consistent legal guidance can make a measurable difference in day-to-day operations and long-term planning. Outside general counsel services provide a dedicated legal resource without the overhead of hiring in-house counsel. At Jay Johnson Law Firm in Hendersonville, we deliver practical legal support tailored to local companies in Coffee County, addressing contract review, regulatory compliance, employment matters, and corporate governance. Our approach is designed to be proactive, reducing legal uncertainty and helping owners make informed decisions that align with their business goals and local regulatory requirements.
Outside general counsel functions as an extension of your leadership team, delivering ongoing legal support that adapts as your business grows. For Manchester organizations, this means counsel that understands Tennessee law, industry norms, and the local business climate. Services often include drafting and negotiating agreements, advising on risk management, and coordinating transactional matters. When you engage outside counsel, the objective is to keep legal issues from disrupting operations by offering timely advice, clear explanations of options, and practical next steps so owners and managers can focus on running and expanding their businesses with greater confidence.
Why Outside General Counsel Matters for Manchester Businesses
Maintaining ongoing legal support through outside general counsel reduces the likelihood of unforeseen disruptions and improves preparedness for complex matters. For small and mid-sized businesses in Manchester, this model provides access to consistent legal oversight without permanent payroll commitments. Counsel helps shape policies, spot emerging regulatory issues, and streamline contracts and vendor relationships. That continuity can lower transaction costs, reduce litigation risk, and protect business value over time. A steady legal relationship also supports faster responses to problems and better negotiation outcomes, because the attorney becomes familiar with the company’s operations, priorities, and tolerance for risk.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Business Counsel Approach
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves businesses across Tennessee with a focus on practical legal solutions tailored to local markets such as Manchester and Coffee County. Our attorneys bring years of transactional and advisory experience in corporate law, contract matters, employment issues, and regulatory compliance. We emphasize clear communication, responsiveness, and realistic assessments of legal risk. By working closely with business leaders, we develop legal strategies that reflect each company’s goals and constraints and provide ongoing support for routine matters and larger corporate events such as mergers or restructurings.
Understanding Outside General Counsel Services and How They Work
Outside general counsel provides a flexible legal relationship structured to meet a company’s specific needs. Services can be delivered on a retainer, hourly, or project basis depending on the volume and predictability of work. Typical responsibilities include contract drafting and negotiation, corporate governance advice, employment policy review, regulatory compliance checks, and coordination with outside specialists when litigation or niche regulatory matters arise. The goal is to provide consistent legal support that anticipates issues and offers practical recommendations so management can operate with more certainty.
When engaging outside counsel, business owners should expect regular communication, prioritized response times for urgent matters, and documentation of key legal positions and processes. Effective outside counsel relationships include periodic audits of company documents, policy recommendations, and training for managers on legal best practices. This model promotes continuity because the same attorney or team becomes familiar with the company’s structure and risk profile, enabling faster, more tailored advice that reduces delays and avoids repetitive onboarding whenever a new matter arises.
Defining the Role of Outside General Counsel
Outside general counsel serves as the primary legal advisor to a company without being an on-staff employee. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities that are central to business operations, including drafting and negotiating contracts, advising on employment and benefits matters, ensuring regulatory compliance, addressing intellectual property needs, and supporting corporate governance. Outside counsel also helps prepare for transactions, coordinates with other professionals, and offers risk management guidance. The arrangement is scalable and intended to provide continuity and institutional legal knowledge for organizations that prefer to manage legal functions externally.
Core Elements and Typical Processes in Outside General Counsel Services
Key elements of an outside general counsel relationship include an initial assessment of company documents and processes, a plan for ongoing legal coverage, and clearly defined communication protocols. Typical processes begin with onboarding and document review, followed by the establishment of billing arrangements and expected response times. Regular check-ins, periodic compliance reviews, contract templates, and training sessions are common deliverables. The counsel also coordinates with accountants, brokers, and litigation counsel when needed, creating a streamlined process for addressing transactional and operational legal needs without disconnects or delays.
Key Terms and Glossary for Outside General Counsel Services
Below are concise definitions of terms frequently used when discussing outside general counsel arrangements. These definitions help business owners understand what to expect from legal engagements and how common services are described. Knowing the language of retainer agreements, fiduciary duties, and contract provisions makes it easier to evaluate proposals and compare offerings. Clear terminology also improves communication with counsel and helps companies document expectations for scope, timing, and deliverables so relationships run smoothly and legal work aligns with business objectives.
Retainer Arrangement
A retainer arrangement is a payment structure in which the client pays a set fee or recurring amount to secure ongoing access to legal services. Retainers are useful when work is regular and predictable, as they provide budget certainty and priority access to counsel. The agreement should specify what services are covered, response time expectations, and how additional services or costs will be handled. For many small and mid-sized Manchester businesses, a retainer provides a reliable way to maintain continuous legal support and manage monthly legal expenses within a predictable framework.
Corporate Governance Advice
Corporate governance advice refers to guidance on the structures and processes that determine how a company is directed and controlled. This includes drafting and interpreting bylaws, shareholder agreements, board resolutions, and policies that define decision-making authority and accountability. Strong governance practices protect company value, reduce internal disputes, and support regulatory compliance. Outside counsel helps business leaders design governance systems that reflect their operational needs and legal obligations, enabling clearer lines of responsibility and more effective oversight within the organization.
Scope Letter or Engagement Letter
A scope letter, commonly called an engagement letter, outlines the lawyer-client relationship and defines the services to be provided, fee arrangements, billing practices, and confidentiality expectations. This document is essential for managing expectations and avoiding misunderstandings about what the outside counsel will handle. A clear engagement letter identifies deliverables, timelines, and circumstances that may trigger additional fees. For Manchester businesses, a well-drafted engagement letter ensures both parties agree on the level of service and how routine and extraordinary matters will be addressed.
Regulatory Compliance Review
A regulatory compliance review evaluates a company’s operations, policies, and documentation to identify areas where the business may not comply with local, state, or federal rules. This can include employment law, licensing requirements, environmental rules, and industry-specific regulations. The review typically results in a prioritized list of recommended changes, updated policies, and implementation guidance. Regular compliance reviews reduce the risk of fines, litigation, and operational interruptions and help demonstrate good faith efforts to follow applicable laws.
Comparing Outside General Counsel with Other Legal Options
Businesses can choose between hiring in-house counsel, retaining outside general counsel, or addressing legal needs on an ad hoc basis with transactional lawyers. In-house counsel offers immediate availability but adds salary and benefit costs. Ad hoc arrangements may be inexpensive initially but can lead to inconsistent advice and repeated onboarding. Outside general counsel blends continuity and cost control by delivering regular legal oversight without the overhead of a full-time hire. Manchester companies often find that outside counsel provides better value for predictable legal needs while retaining flexibility for peak workload or specialized matters.
When Limited, Transactional Legal Support May Be Enough:
Routine, Low-Complexity Transactions
A limited, transaction-focused relationship can be appropriate for businesses whose legal needs are infrequent and straightforward, such as occasional vendor agreements, one-off leases, or simple employment contracts. If a business rarely faces regulatory scrutiny and does not have ongoing risk management needs, paying for discrete services as issues arise may be more cost-effective. However, even in this scenario, retaining basic templates and periodic reviews can reduce the chance that small, routine matters escalate into larger legal problems over time.
Startups in Very Early Stages
Early-stage startups often prioritize rapid development and limited overhead, making pay-as-you-go legal services appealing for immediate needs such as incorporation paperwork and simple contracts. When legal activity is predictable and sporadic, this approach conserves resources. As the company grows, founders should reassess and consider moving to a more continuous legal arrangement to support fundraising, hiring, and increasing contractual complexity. Periodic legal checkups help ensure foundational documents remain appropriate as the business evolves.
Why Many Businesses Benefit from a Comprehensive Outside Counsel Arrangement:
Growing Operational Complexity
As businesses expand, their legal needs typically grow in scope and frequency, covering employment, vendor relationships, licensing, and possibly mergers or acquisitions. A comprehensive outside counsel arrangement helps manage that complexity by providing consistent legal oversight and proactive planning. Counsel who understands the business’s history and goals can identify risks early, recommend changes to policies and contracts, and coordinate with financial advisors. This ongoing relationship helps ensure that legal decisions align with long-term strategic priorities rather than being reactive to individual crises.
Frequent or High-Stakes Transactions
Companies engaging in frequent or high-stakes transactions, such as asset purchases, mergers, or significant vendor agreements, benefit from continuous legal counsel that can manage complex negotiations and documentation. Outside general counsel provides familiarity with the company’s priorities and can act quickly to review or draft transaction documents, coordinate due diligence, and protect business interests. This continuity reduces delays and leads to more consistent contract language across deals, which helps preserve company value and minimize unexpected liabilities.
Key Benefits of a Comprehensive Outside Counsel Relationship
A comprehensive arrangement delivers predictable budgeting for legal services, consolidated legal knowledge, and faster turnaround on routine matters. Counsel who understands the business context provides tailored recommendations and avoids time spent on repetitive background tasks. This continuity supports better contract consistency, clearer compliance protocols, and more effective risk management. The firm-client relationship also facilitates strategic planning for transactions and personnel issues, enabling business leaders to make decisions grounded in a practical view of legal risks and opportunities.
Beyond operational improvements, a continuous counsel relationship often results in improved outcomes during negotiations and disputes because counsel knows prior positions, documented policies, and the company’s tolerance for risk. This reduces the need for repeated briefings and helps preserve institutional memory. It also streamlines interactions with other professionals by providing a single legal point of contact. For Manchester companies, these benefits translate into more efficient operations and stronger protection of business interests within Tennessee’s legal and regulatory environment.
Predictable Legal Costs and Faster Responses
One major advantage of a comprehensive outside counsel relationship is the ability to forecast legal spending and receive prioritized responses when urgent matters arise. Predictable fee structures help businesses plan budgets and avoid sudden, unplanned legal expenses. Regular access to counsel also speeds up contract approvals, regulatory filings, and other time-sensitive tasks. The combination of budget certainty and responsiveness keeps operations moving and enables management to resolve legal questions without long delays that could impede important business initiatives.
Continuity That Protects Business Value
Continuity in legal representation preserves institutional knowledge about prior agreements, dispute histories, and governance decisions, which is especially valuable during growth phases or leadership changes. This continuity reduces onboarding time for new matters, promotes consistent contract language, and safeguards the company’s negotiated positions. Over time, having a steady legal relationship helps prevent small issues from compounding into larger, more expensive problems, thereby supporting the preservation and enhancement of the company’s value in both operational and transactional contexts.
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Pro Tips for Working with Outside General Counsel
Define an engagement scope and communication plan
Start the relationship by agreeing on a clear engagement letter that defines scope, billing structure, and response times. This creates mutual expectations about what services are included and how urgent requests will be handled. Specify preferred methods of communication and regular check-in intervals to maintain momentum. For businesses in Manchester, articulating these expectations early reduces misunderstandings and helps counsel provide timely, practical guidance that aligns with operational priorities while staying within budget parameters.
Maintain an organized set of core documents
Use counsel for proactive risk management
Engage outside counsel for periodic compliance audits and policy reviews rather than waiting until a problem occurs. Proactive legal assessments identify vulnerabilities and create prioritized action plans to address them, reducing the chance of fines or disputes. Regular dialogue about business plans and upcoming transactions allows counsel to prepare and advise in ways that minimize downstream legal work. This proactive stance helps preserve resources and fosters a more stable operating environment for the business.
When to Consider Hiring Outside General Counsel in Manchester
Consider outside general counsel when your business faces regular legal decisions, increasing transaction volume, or growing regulatory obligations. Outside counsel is especially beneficial for businesses that want predictable budgeting, faster document turnaround, and a single legal contact who understands company history and objectives. It is also appropriate when leadership prefers to avoid the expense of a full-time legal hire yet seeks continuity, professional legal oversight, and a proactive approach to risk management and compliance. This model can scale as the company grows and legal needs expand.
Another reason to consider this service is the need for strategic legal planning tied to business growth or restructuring. Outside counsel can assist with succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, vendor negotiations, and workforce changes while keeping legal costs transparent. For Manchester and Coffee County companies, retaining counsel familiar with Tennessee law helps ensure local regulatory matters are addressed promptly and in a manner that supports business objectives. The relationship can be tailored to deliver only the services you need, when you need them.
Common Situations That Lead Businesses to Seek Outside General Counsel
Businesses commonly seek outside general counsel when they experience an increase in contract volume, changes in workforce, planned growth activities such as acquisitions, or when they need ongoing compliance management. Other circumstances include preparing for investor discussions, resolving recurring vendor disputes, or updating company policies to reflect changing laws. In each case, outside counsel offers continuity, helps prioritize risks, and provides practical recommendations so leadership can make informed decisions with the legal implications in mind.
Frequent Contract Negotiations
When a company regularly negotiates contracts with customers, suppliers, or service providers, having outside counsel simplifies the process by providing standard templates and rapid reviews. Counsel can protect the company’s interests by inserting consistent clauses, limiting liability exposure, and streamlining approval processes. Over time, consistent contract terms reduce negotiation friction and support clearer business relationships. For Manchester businesses, efficient contract management can speed revenue recognition and minimize disputes arising from ambiguous terms or inconsistent language.
Changes in Employment or Workforce Policies
Employment-related changes such as hiring surges, new benefits, or terminations often raise legal questions about compliance with state and federal laws. Outside counsel helps review handbooks, develop compliant policies, and advise on hiring and termination practices. Counsel can also prepare documentation that minimizes risk in employee transitions and helps managers understand legal obligations. Proactive attention to workforce policies reduces the chance of labor disputes and aligns internal practices with evolving legal standards.
Planned Growth or Transactions
When a business prepares for growth events like acquisitions, partnerships, or significant financing, outside counsel provides continuity and practical assistance with due diligence, negotiation, and documentation. Counsel helps structure deals, identify legal obstacles, and coordinate the work of other advisors. This support is particularly valuable in time-sensitive transactions where prior knowledge of the company’s operations and contracts leads to faster execution and fewer surprises during closing.
Outside General Counsel Serving Manchester and Coffee County
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides outside general counsel services to businesses in Manchester and throughout Coffee County, Tennessee. Our focus is on delivering timely, practical legal support that aligns with each company’s operational and strategic objectives. Whether you need ongoing contract management, employment policy advice, compliance reviews, or transaction support, we structure our services to be responsive, budget-friendly, and attuned to local legal conditions. Contact us at 731-206-9700 to discuss how we can support your business needs and help reduce legal friction.
Reasons to Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Outside Counsel
Our firm focuses on providing businesses with consistent legal support that emphasizes clarity, responsiveness, and practical recommendations. We work to understand your business goals and tailor our services to meet those needs without unnecessary complexity. By maintaining open communication and setting clear expectations, we aim to be a reliable legal resource that helps leadership manage risk and seize opportunities with confidence. This approach is designed to support efficient operations and better decision-making across business functions.
We prioritize building durable client relationships that reduce the need for repetitive briefings and produce more consistent legal outcomes. Our counsel emphasizes proactive reviews of contracts and policies, timely responses to management questions, and coordination with other advisors so decisions are legally informed and operationally sound. For companies in Manchester, this continuity helps streamline vendor and customer negotiations and provides a steady legal presence during growth or transition.
Finally, we structure our engagements to provide predictable billing options and transparent communication about scope and expectations. That predictability supports better financial planning for the business and reduces surprises when legal needs arise. Our goal is to be a dependable partner who helps businesses navigate legal matters confidently while enabling owners and managers to stay focused on running and growing their companies.
Get Practical Legal Support for Your Manchester Business Today
How the Outside General Counsel Process Works at Our Firm
Our process begins with a thorough onboarding and document review to understand your corporate structure, contracts, and existing policies. We then propose an engagement model and communication plan tailored to your needs. Regular check-ins, priority response times for urgent matters, and periodic compliance reviews are scheduled as agreed. When transactional work arises, we coordinate tasks and provide clear timelines. This structured approach ensures the legal support you receive is aligned with business priorities and delivers measurable improvements in risk management and operational efficiency.
Step One: Onboarding and Assessment
The onboarding and assessment phase involves reviewing corporate documents, existing contracts, employment policies, and any active legal matters. This baseline review identifies immediate risks, gaps in governance, and opportunities for standardization. Based on findings, we recommend priorities for action, such as updating templates or addressing compliance issues. A clear assessment helps shape the scope of ongoing services and establishes the foundation for efficient, targeted legal support.
Document Review and Prioritization
We examine your key corporate documents, contracts, and policies to assess legal exposure and identify quick wins. This review helps prioritize actions that will reduce risk or streamline operations. We flag inconsistencies, outdated clauses, and missing protections, then propose corrective steps. The result is a prioritized workplan that guides the initial months of the engagement and ensures resources are directed to the areas that matter most for business continuity and compliance.
Engagement Letter and Communication Plan
After the assessment, we prepare an engagement letter that defines scope, fees, and communication protocols. This document establishes expectations for response times, billing, and services included under the retainer or fee arrangement. We agree on preferred methods of contact and schedule regular check-ins to review progress. A clear engagement letter reduces misunderstandings and ensures both parties have a shared understanding of priorities and deliverables.
Step Two: Implementation and Ongoing Support
Once onboarding is complete, we implement agreed actions such as updating contract templates, revising policies, and establishing compliance checklists. We provide ongoing support through timely reviews, advice on daily legal questions, and coordination for transactional work. Regular status updates and periodic reviews help keep legal matters current. This stage focuses on operationalizing legal recommendations so the company benefits from consistent document quality and compliance practices.
Contract Management and Template Development
We develop and refine contract templates for recurring transactions, add protective clauses, and establish approval workflows to speed negotiations. Standardized templates reduce negotiation time and ensure consistent protection across deals. We also maintain a library of commonly used documents to facilitate quick reviews and amendments. Efficient contract management saves time and reduces exposure to ambiguous or unfavorable terms in vendor and customer agreements.
Policy Updates and Compliance Checks
We assist in updating employee handbooks, privacy policies, and governance procedures to reflect current law and business practices. Periodic compliance checks identify gaps and produce prioritized recommendations for remediation. These updates help businesses remain aligned with changing requirements and demonstrate good-faith compliance efforts. Regular policy maintenance also reduces the likelihood of disputes and prepares companies for audits or regulatory inquiries.
Step Three: Transactional Support and Strategic Planning
During high-impact events like acquisitions, major contracts, or financing, we provide focused transactional support, coordinating diligence, negotiating terms, and drafting necessary documents. We also assist with strategic planning to align legal structures with business goals. This phase leverages the relationship’s continuity to execute transactions more efficiently and with a clearer understanding of the client’s objectives and constraints.
Due Diligence and Transaction Coordination
We coordinate due diligence activities, compile necessary materials, and advise on risk allocation in transactions. Clear, organized diligence accelerates negotiations and helps uncover issues that may affect valuation or deal structure. Our role includes communicating with other advisors and ensuring legal milestones are met on schedule so deals move efficiently toward closing while protecting client interests.
Post-Closing Integration and Follow-Up
After a transaction closes, we assist with post-closing tasks such as updating corporate records, integrating contracts, and implementing governance changes. This follow-up ensures that legal and operational transitions occur smoothly and that any contractual obligations are understood and tracked. Effective post-closing integration reduces the chance of disputes and helps the organization realize the intended benefits of the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outside General Counsel
What does outside general counsel do for a small business?
Outside general counsel provides a range of services tailored to a small business’s needs, including contract drafting and review, compliance advice, governance guidance, and coordination of transactional matters. The role is designed to be a continuous legal resource that understands the company’s operations and helps management make informed decisions while avoiding frequent onboarding for common issues. Beyond routine tasks, outside counsel can also assist with strategic matters such as preparing for investments, addressing potential disputes before they escalate, and creating policies that limit future exposure. The continuity of counsel helps ensure consistent legal approaches across contracts and policies, which supports operational stability and reduces the risk of costly misunderstandings.
How are fees typically structured for outside general counsel?
Fees for outside general counsel are commonly structured as retainers, hourly billing, fixed-fee arrangements for specific services, or a hybrid approach. Retainers provide predictable monthly costs and priority access to legal services, while hourly billing may be used for transactional spikes. Fixed fees can be negotiated for defined projects that are predictable in scope. Choosing a fee structure depends on the company’s volume and predictability of legal work. During onboarding, counsel and the client should agree on billing practices, what is included in the retainer or flat fee, and how additional work will be approved to avoid surprises and ensure budgetary control.
Can outside counsel handle employment law issues?
Yes, outside counsel routinely handles employment law matters including handbook reviews, employment agreements, termination procedures, and wage-and-hour compliance. Counsel helps design policies that reflect legal requirements and best practices and can advise managers on lawful approaches to hiring, discipline, and separation to reduce litigation risk. When disputes arise, outside counsel can coordinate with labor counsel or litigation counsel as needed and provide guidance to managers during sensitive HR situations. Regular reviews of workforce policies help ensure ongoing compliance with state and federal rules and reduce the likelihood of costly employment disputes.
How does an engagement letter protect my business?
An engagement letter defines the scope of services, fee arrangements, confidentiality provisions, and communication expectations between the business and counsel. This document clarifies what services are included and how additional work or conflicts will be handled, reducing misunderstandings and creating a record of agreed terms. Having a clear engagement letter also facilitates smoother project management and billing transparency. It allows both parties to reference agreed terms if disputes arise and helps the business plan legal spending while ensuring counsel can deliver services effectively within the established framework.
When should a company move from ad hoc legal services to outside counsel?
A company should consider moving from ad hoc legal services to outside counsel when legal matters become frequent or when transactions and regulatory obligations become more complex. Indicators include repeated contract negotiations, increasing personnel issues, and the need for consistent policy development. Continuous counsel provides institutional knowledge that ad hoc arrangements lack, improving response times and consistency. Additionally, businesses anticipating growth, financing, or strategic transactions often benefit from establishing a steady legal relationship. Outside counsel can prepare the company in advance, align legal structures with strategic goals, and reduce the risk of costly legal surprises during key events.
Will outside counsel work with my existing advisors?
Outside counsel typically works collaboratively with existing advisors such as accountants, brokers, or specialized litigators. Coordination ensures all advisors have the necessary legal context and helps streamline due diligence, tax planning, and transactional work. Counsel can serve as the central legal contact to manage communications and integrate advice from multiple professionals. Good collaboration reduces duplicated effort and improves outcomes, particularly in complex transactions or compliance matters. Businesses should confirm communication preferences and data-sharing protocols early to facilitate smooth cooperation among advisors.
How quickly can outside counsel respond to urgent issues?
Response times vary based on the agreed engagement terms, but outside counsel arrangements commonly include prioritized handling of urgent matters. During onboarding, you should set expectations for what constitutes an urgent issue and the expected turnaround time. Many firms provide designated contact methods for emergencies to ensure rapid attention. Establishing these response protocols in the engagement letter helps both parties understand priorities and ensures that pressing issues receive prompt legal attention. Clear protocols reduce uncertainty and help management act quickly when legal decisions are time-sensitive.
Can outside counsel support mergers and acquisitions?
Outside counsel can support mergers and acquisitions by conducting or coordinating due diligence, drafting transactional documents, negotiating terms, and advising on deal structure. The advantage of an ongoing relationship is that counsel already knows the company’s documents and objectives, which streamlines diligence and accelerates negotiation and closing. Counsel also assists with post-closing integration tasks such as updating corporate records and implementing governance or contractual changes. This continued involvement helps ensure the transaction’s intended benefits are realized and reduces the risk of overlooked legal issues after closing.
What should I have ready for the initial meeting with outside counsel?
For the initial meeting, gather foundational documents such as your articles of incorporation, bylaws or operating agreement, key contracts, employee handbook, and recent financial statements if available. Providing these materials allows counsel to assess immediate risks and suggest priorities. Be prepared to describe recent or upcoming transactions and any known disputes or regulatory concerns. Sharing a summary of your business structure, key leadership, and growth plans helps counsel tailor recommendations that align with your objectives. This preparation leads to a more productive first discussion and enables counsel to propose a suitable engagement model quickly.
How do I evaluate whether an outside counsel relationship is delivering value?
Evaluate the value of an outside counsel relationship by reviewing responsiveness, consistency of advice, and the extent to which counsel reduces legal disruption to daily operations. Measure whether contract turnaround times improve, whether compliance risks are addressed proactively, and whether the firm helps achieve business objectives efficiently. Regular reviews of deliverables and costs help determine whether the arrangement meets expectations. Soliciting feedback from managers who use counsel and tracking outcomes from transactions or disputes provides a practical assessment of value. If counsel contributes to smoother operations, fewer surprises, and clearer legal protections, the relationship is likely delivering meaningful benefits.