b'POINT-COUNTERPOINTPassenger vessel owners have the luxury of access to dialogue with A possible negative to large fi occurs if you feel your fi similar businesses, not in a competing market.I would start withrms les are passed around, and there is no attorney fully owning, andseeking recommendations from other vessel owners.Also, if an answerable to you. Your matters are vital to your business, and noattorneyhasdemonstratedaclearinterestinyourindustry,and client should engage a fi that is not readily responsive. Truthexperience in advising similar businesses, that is important. rm is, sometimes small businesses dont get the same attention as big companies in large fi rms.I am not a fan of TV ads or other mass marketing. Neither do I believe that the very popular practice of magazines purporting to Ifamatterdoesnotinvolvesubstantialamountsorgreatfeature Gothams Best Lawyers, is reliable. Too often they are complication, small businesses should reconsider using a large citypoorly disguised eff orts to obtain advertising from the identifi ed fi fi or to sell banquet seats or walnut plaques.Ask around . . .rm (New York, San Francisco, DC, Chicago).These cities often rms, have higher fee expectations, while reading the same law books asthats my recommendation.lawyers in more regional fi rms who can provide equally competent representation. SHAW: I would also defi ne the role for my lawyer. One of my business SHAW: partnershadapersonalattorneythatwashissoundingboard.Steve, that was a softball question, but I agree with your pitch forYou could call Bill and discuss almost any issue. Hed listen, ask a regional fi rm.Ive had heart attacks from NYC fi rm billing ratesinsightful questions, off er pragmatic perspective, all the while adding for specialized advice, but the law is too specialized for small fi rmsto his deep knowledge of the company that would be useful in the togiveadviceontaxes/employmentpractices/environmental/ future.I have had big brother or Dutch uncle attorneys that have Coast Guard/contract review/insurance and a partridge in a peartaken me to task for screwing up, pointed out a troubling pattern, tree legal issues.So, having broadly targeted the type of fi rm, howorsmashedmyattemptsatspin.Theseattorneysmaintained do you fi nd the right quarterback at that fi rm? independence, had a moral compass, and pushed me to be a better leader.Maybe you want a legal encyclopedia who can do a rapid BERS: assessmentbeforereferringyoutotheappropriateexpert,while I would say that the best way is to ask other business owners, andensuring you then receive good advice at a fair price.I have seen get a personal recommendation.Ask about responsiveness andother operators who are more comfortable with regular lunches or availability.That is the #1 complaint people seem to have: I dontto socialize on the weekends.Whatever works to make you a better know what is going on with my case. leader and business person.LET ASSUREDPARTNERS MCM MANAGEPASSENGER VESSEL PAYMENT SOLUTIONS! YOUR INSURANCE SO YOU CANFOCUS ON YOUR VOYAGEThrive Payments is a full-service merchant servicesAssuredPartners MCM is a leading independentprovider with extensive expertise providing safe, fast,insurance brokerage based in the Pacic Northwest. Ourand cost-effective payment acceptance for passenger vessel operators at all points of sale. We providecombined experience placing insurance and managingcontactless, online, and mobile payment options forthe marine industrys unique risks.the purchase of tickets, cargo, shipping, parking, or food/drink, on water or on land. Whether were working with vessel operators, builders,Visit our booth at the MariTrends 2021 Virtual Convention.CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE:855.794.2602 | sales@thrivepay.us | thrivepay.us AssuredPartners MCMContact: Damon L. NasmanDirectLine:206.262.6375Damon.Nasman@assuredpartners.comwww.assuredpartnersmcm.comPOINT-COUNTERPOINT 24 FOGHORN'