Miami, FL admiralty & maritime attorney Michelle Otero Valdés explains what it is to act as an outside general counsel. She explains that many companies in the maritime industry are small startups or firms that excel in engineering but may overlook the legal aspects of running a business. Because of this, they often do not invest adequately in their legal operations. She frequently serves as in-house or general outside counsel for these companies, guiding them through legal matters that may be unfamiliar to them. She provides this support to several international clients who require assistance navigating U.S. regulatory, legal, and litigation environments. In essence, this is her role as general counsel.