What Exactly Business Clients Want from Their In-House Lawyers

Big firms train their associates to analyze complex matters and completely mitigate risk. These big-firm trained lawyers often go in-house and face a different set of expectations. A Silicon Valley exec who has worked at VC-backed startups, private family-owned and public Fortune 100 companies broke down for me what he is looking for from in-house lawyers:

1. What is the potential opportunity, and is it worth it? Help make the economic case for whatever decision. 
2. What are the gray areas so we can make a risk-based decision? What are the consequences and potential outcomes, from likely to unlikely
3. How can we protect the company as it pursues its business goals (making money, delivering products, etc.)?

In summary: do not give the most conservative advice to avoid being held responsible later. Instead, know the goal of the client and explain in simple English the framework how to get there.