Veteran attorney urges organizations to embrace proactive legal thinking as regulatory complexity and environmental demands increase.
PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / December 24, 2025 / Senior Corporate Counsel Terence "Terry" Cushing, recently profiled in a new industry spotlight feature, is using the opportunity to advocate for a shift he believes all modern organizations must make: embracing proactive legal preparedness as operational, environmental, and regulatory risks continue to rise.
Cushing, who has nearly two decades of experience in complex civil litigation and corporate law, emphasized in the interview that companies often underestimate how early legal strategy should begin. "Corporate counsel work lets you help shape decisions before they become disputes," he said. "The best work is collaborative. My job is not just to solve problems, but to help prevent them."
His call for greater preparedness comes at a time when industries-especially those connected to environmental services-face growing pressure. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, businesses pay an estimated $300 billion annually in compliance-related costs. Meanwhile, the EPA reports that environmental rule enforcement actions have increased by over 25% in the past decade.
"You learn quickly that every word matters," Cushing noted, reflecting on lessons from his federal clerkship. "Being proactive-rather than reactive-is one of the biggest cost savers companies overlook."
Raising Awareness About Preventive Legal Strategy
Drawing on experiences shared in the feature article, Cushing pointed to the value of clarity and balance in legal planning. His long career across product liability, medical malpractice, commercial litigation, and corporate legal strategy taught him how quickly issues can escalate when teams are not aligned.
"Skiing taught me to stay calm when the terrain changed," he said in the interview. "Litigation works the same way. You adjust, stay balanced, and keep moving."
He believes individuals and businesses-regardless of size-can take simple steps to strengthen their legal footing:
1. Document early and clearly.
Poor documentation is a leading cause of legal exposure. The Association of Corporate Counsel reports that unclear communication is tied to over 40% of preventable disputes.
2. Train teams to spot risks.
Cushing notes that legal preparedness is not just a lawyer's job. "When teams know what to look for, small problems stay small."
3. Build relationships with legal advisors before issues arise.
"You can't build trust in the middle of a crisis," he said. "Strong partnerships start long before you need them."
Highlighting the Link Between Corporate Behavior and Regulatory Pressure
Cushing's current role at Republic Services-a national leader in environmental services-gives him a front-row view of how the regulatory landscape intersects with day-to-day operations. The waste and recycling industry alone faces more than 10,000 pages of combined federal and state regulations.
"Environmental services touch every community," he explained. "The work is essential, and legal clarity helps companies operate safely, sustainably, and responsibly."
His push for greater awareness reflects trends seen across industries. As more companies move toward sustainability initiatives, compliance requirements expand. Errors can lead to financial penalties, operational delays, and reputational damage.
Cushing Urges Individuals and Businesses to Take Action
Cushing's message to leaders and professionals is simple: start now.
"You don't need a major crisis to begin thinking about legal strategy," he said. "You can begin by reviewing your processes, asking questions, and improving clarity across your organization."
His call to action focuses on what people can do on their own:
Review workplace policies with a focus on clarity and consistency
Strengthen communication habits, especially around documentation
Encourage teams to identify risks early instead of ignoring them
Seek education-even basic legal literacy improves outcomes
Stay informed about local and federal regulatory changes
"It's about building good habits," Cushing said. "Small steps make a big difference over time."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Terence Cushing
Terence "Terry" Cushing is a seasoned attorney with nearly 20 years of experience in litigation and corporate law. He currently serves as Senior Corporate Counsel at Republic Services. His background includes work in federal courts, major law firms, and large-scale corporate operations. He is licensed in Arizona, Nevada, and Texas and has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star.
For more information about his profile and professional insights, visit the full feature article on Terence Cushing.
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SOURCE: Terence Cushing
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
