How We Work
A Modern Approach to Legal Services
New Leaf values having a true relationship with our clients, emphasizing collaboration and customization.
Tailored for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
Since its founding, New Leaf has been providing legal services specifically tailored to the unique needs of new and established entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. And we’re not just paying lip service – New Leaf is a small business as well! We live the pain points every day, and we’ve used each experience we’ve had professionally or with a client’s business as a learning tool to provide a practical, well-advised approach to the legal side of your particular business.
We’re an Extension of the Team; Outside In-House Counsel
Some would describe New Leaf as “transactional lawyers” but that term is a misnomer. Yes, New Leaf helps structure companies, draft contracts, and develop our clients’ business transactions and their IP portfolios, which are distinct projects. These events, however, aren’t individual transactions in your venture’s development. They are part of the larger tapestry of your business, with long term effects on your success and we are honored to be a part of that. So we will not just set you up with a company and some contracts and send you on your way; our approach is to educate you on the legal issues and particulars of your business, to be available for your every-day legal questions, and a natural extension of your team.
We develop a long-term plan and let YOU decide when you want to execute goals.
What are your priorities for the growth of your business?
What needs to be done yesterday and what can realistically wait for version 2.0?
What kind of budget does your business have to execute on these goals?
In tandem with our long-term approach, New Leaf focuses on educating and empowering you with an understanding of your business and legal affairs. Your legal strategy should be part of your business plan— a living entity that needs to be flexible enough to respond to your dreams and goals. Cultivating and nurturing that strategy is our focus– is it yours?
The Philosophy behind our Billing Model
We understand that legal services can be a significant investment for you. Wouldn’t it be nice to know exactly what that investment was going to be before you moved forward? New Leaf is a flat fee firm. As part of our process, we will discuss with you the different methods for accomplishing a given task and work with you to develop a scope of service that achieves your goals. Knowing the total cost up front allows our clients to receive the legal services they require without fear of the cash flow nightmare that comes from an unanticipated bill.
Beyond budgeting, transparency in billing promotes transparency in communication between us. We feel that the more we know about your business, the better we can serve your needs. But no one wants to call their lawyer when they will receive a bill every time they send an email or pick up the phone. At New Leaf, we take these communication barriers away. Communications are part of our scope of service and not an additional cost. We want to hear from you and would rather you check in and have it not result in work for us, than not check in and miss the opportunity to avoid a larger legal issue.
We never bill by the hour, because we want to encourage our clients to contact us – not avoid us.