Chapter 266: Chapter 266 Establishing A Law Firm
"Others might kill a chicken to scare the monkeys, but Hardy directly kills a cow to scare both the monkeys and the chickens."
"The actors union stands up for actors. That\'s our mission," Hardy said with a smile.
Hardy picked up the phone and called Andy, asking him to send a good lawyer over.
Andy said, "Boss, I have two lawyers who recently told me they want to start a law firm and would like to meet you for potential investment.
"Oh, I like people with ambition. How are their skills?" Hardy asked.
"Their skills are excellent. They both graduated from Yale Law School and are among the best in the industry. I hired them at high salaries, and they\'ve handled all my cases excellently," Andy said.
"Have them come see me. I\'ll talk to them," Hardy said.
In the afternoon, at Hardy\'s office.
Ross Baker and John McKenzie entered Hardy\'s office, both wearing sharp suits and around thirty years old. Hardy had seen them before and greeted them with a smile.
"Hello, Mr. Hardy," they greeted together.
"Sit down, Would you like something to drink?"
"Just coffee," they said, slightly nervous.
Hardy asked his secretary to make coffee.
"I heard from Andy that you want to start a law firm and are seeking my investment?" Hardy asked with a smile.
"Yes, we\'ve been working for a few years and hope to establish a law firm, similar to Mr. Andy\'s financial company," Ross Baker explained.
Starting a law firm would make them no longer employees but bosses, allowing them to earn more and grow by recruiting and expanding.
"What are your plans?" Hardy asked.
"We hope Mr. Hardy invests $500,000 for a 40% stake in the firm," John McKenzie said.
Hardy thought for a moment and said, "I\'ll invest $1 million for a 60% stake."
Baker and McKenzie didn\'t expect Hardy to agree so readily, though the share he wanted was higher than they anticipated. They originally planned for 50% and offered 40% for negotiation.
But Hardy doubled the investment, which was tempting. With more money, they could get better office space, hire more partners and associate lawyers, and grow faster.
Of course, they could go independent since they had the skills to survive anywhere. But a law firm needs two key components: capable lawyers and business.
Hardy\'s company has enough business. Just relying on Hardy\'s industries could earn them a lot of money and help them grow.
Hardy doesn\'t mind others making money out of him as long as they serve him well. After all, these people earn their money through hard work.
The two exchanged glances. McKenzie nodded, and Baker understood, saying, "Mr. Hardy, we agree to your terms. You invest $1 million for a 60% stake."
Hardy smiled and nodded.
He didn\'t care about the $1 million. Owning his law firm would make many future matters very convenient.
"By the way, have you thought of a name?" Hardy asked.
They smiled, "Yes, we thought of using our names together: \'Baker McKenzie International Law Firm.\' How does that sound?"
Hearing the name, Hardy was stunned.
"Baker McKenzie."
Damn, Could it be the future \'world\'s largest law firm,\' Baker McKenzie?
In his previous life, he hired lawyers from this firm for business matters. It was said that by then, the firm had over 2,700 lawyers in more than 50 countries, making it the world\'s largest law firm, ranked among the top three globally, with annual profits of over $1 billion.
If it\'s really them, this investment is sure to pay off handsomely.
"How many people are you planning to recruit?" Hardy asked.
"We\'ve already found twelve partners," Ross Baker said.
"Would you still form the firm without my investment?" Hardy asked.
John McKenzie smiled, "To be honest, Mr. Hardy, we would. Without your investment, it would be much harder, and we\'d need to find business, taking at least three to five years to gain traction."
"With your investment, we can recruit 40 to 50 lawyers and jump straight to being a mid sized firm. More importantly, with your business, our growth will be faster. We estimate we can become a large firm in three years."
McKenzie candidly shared their thoughts.
Hardy could see that Baker was the planner and McKenzie the decision maker, reminiscent of the phrase \'one plans, one executes.\'
They were college friends with complementary personalities, explaining why they later developed the firm so well.
"If you want business, that\'s no problem. You should know Andy is helping me form the Hardy Group," Hardy said.
"Of course, we\'re part of the team," McKenzie said.
"When the group is formed, Baker McKenzie can become the group\'s contracted law firm. I\'m sure there will be endless business. You\'d better hire more people quickly," Hardy said with a smile.
The two were overjoyed, unable to hide their excitement despite trying to remain calm.
They knew how strong the Hardy Group was.
HD Security Company, HD Film Company, HD Brokerage Company, Wash Mining Company, \'N.Y.T\' TV Factory, Rocky Mountain Mineral Water Plant, Auction Company, HD Toy Factory, Estée Lauder, Playboy Magazine, two wineries, HD Airlines, Hardy Grand Hotel and Casino, ABC TV Station, and Andy\'s financial investments.
Just Hardy\'s industries alone had countless legal needs, enough to support a large law firm.
"Mr. Hardy, don\'t worry. We will work hard to grow and provide the most professional legal services to the group," Ross Baker said excitedly.
Hardy was also pleased. Having Baker McKenzie, the future\'s strongest law firm, was like having a guaranteed winner, ensuring legal security.
"Set up the firm. Once you have the documents ready, I\'ll sign them. For now, I have a case for you, your first business, and a chance to build your reputation," Hardy said.