Most startups, especially the ones pushing the envelope, are struggling to decide whether, when, and how to hire a full-time or part-time general counsel.
According to the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, in 2008 there were 29+ million small businesses in the United States, and half of all American workers were employed by small businesses.
If your business is involved in activities that are supervised or regulated by a federal agency (ex: selling alcohol, firearms, tobacco, commercial fishing, etc.), then it may be necessary to obtain a federal license or permit.
In litigation, a party will often use a third-party subpoena to obtain documents from individuals, businesses, or other entities that are not parties to the lawsuit.
