Dealing With Clients and Other Attorneys From Around the Globe: An International Labor and Employment Lawyer"s Perspective

Steven Cohn, Managing Counsel, McDonald's, USA

All attorneys -- no matter where they practice law and no matter the area in which they practice -- face challenges in dealing with their clients. The same is true when dealing with other attorneys, even those supposedly on the same side as you. This is as true for in-house counsel as it is for outside counsel. Let’s face it, for one reason or another – the client’s ego, his/her tendency towards risk-taking, having a generally negative view of lawyers as impediments to organizational growth and profitability, personal assertiveness, or a belief that the consequences you predict will not happen to them being just a few – getting your client to accept the wisdom of your advice and do as you recommend can be a difficult challenge. Having the right diploma, a successful track record over years of experience in the area of law, with logic and what you see as common sense on your side, may all be necessary but may not be sufficient to have your client accept your advice.

McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 32,000 local restaurants in more than 100 countries. More than 80% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local franchisees