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Top 6 State-Specific Tips for In-House Counsel

By Casey C. Sullivan, Esq. on May 19, 2016 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

There are 50 beautiful states in this country and you've probably got business in more than a few of them. As in-house counsel, you don't need to memorize the commercial codes from California to Connecticut, but there are some important state issues that you should be aware of. States with big markets and lots of regulation deserve extra attention. (We're looking at you, California and New York.)

So, to help you out, here are our top state-specific tips for corporate counsel, from the FindLaw archives.

1. In-House Counsel Hate California. Here's Why.

California is a beautiful, majestic state. We've got Yosemite and Joshua Tree, Hollywood and Silicon Valley, and the biggest economy in the United States. But that doesn't impress in-house counsel, who find the state's business environment to be "hella burdensome." Here's why.

2. States v. Startups: When Laws and Innovation Clash, Who's to Blame?

When startups start up, many target a national audience. But that can run afoul of state laws, as the money transferring start up Square found out when it violated Illinois' Transmitters of Money Act. Here's how such conflicts could be avoided.

3. How to Prepare for California's Fair Pay Act

Last year, California adopted one of the most stringent fair pay laws in the country. The state Fair Pay Act demands equal pay for substantially similar work and bans rules that prohibit workers from discussing wages -- theirs, yours, or anyone else's. Here's what you need to know about the Fair Pay Act's big changes.

4. Out-of-State In-House Counsels Can Now Advise Clients in NY

If you're located in Texas but doing business in New York, don't worry. You no longer have to bring on local counsel for all Empire State matters. A few years back, the state's highest court adopted new rules allowing in-house counsel who are unlicensed in New York to offer legal advice in the state. Here's a quick overview.

5. NY Considers Change for Foreign Lawyers Turned In-House Counsel

And it's not just out-of-state in-house counsel who have an easier time of it in New York. Under considered changes to the state's rules, foreign in-house counsel may soon be able to advise businesses in New York, so long as they're admitted to practice in their native lands.

6. Business in England? Consider Becoming an English Solicitor

If your business doesn't just take you across state lines, but across the Atlantic, you might soon find yourself immersed in international law. And if you're doing business in England, becoming a solicitor (that's English for "attorney") is a real possibility. Here's how you can go about it.

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