Startups
Founders who want their business set up the right way from the beginning, without relying on self-help resources or risking costly mistakes.
Fractional General Counsel
Seasoned legal expertise at crucial decision points.
Experienced, in-house-style legal counsel for businesses that need ongoing legal support, without the overhead of a full-time general counsel.
The fractional model
What is a fractional general counsel?
A fractional general counsel is a lawyer who provides ongoing, on-demand legal services to businesses that need regular legal support but don't need a full-time or permanent lawyer on staff. The fractional GC is an independent contractor, not an employee, but can provide many of the same services as an in-house lawyer.
Because a fractional GC works closely with your business, the legal work can be done more efficiently and economically than through a traditional outside law firm. Your fractional GC gets to know your market, your team and your goals, and is invested in your ongoing growth, without the cost of hiring and retaining another employee.
Who it's for
Who needs a fractional general counsel?
Growing businesses
Companies with ongoing legal needs that aren't yet ready to hire a full-time general counsel.
Established businesses
Organizations that want an experienced lawyer to handle overflow work or round out their in-house legal team.
Why fractional
The fractional advantage
The benefits of having your own lawyer on the team, sized to fit your business.
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Personalized, integrated advice
Advice that reflects how your business actually works, from someone who knows it.
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Cost-effective, predictable budgeting
Clear engagement terms help you plan legal spend instead of reacting to it.
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Less stress getting legal input
Ask questions early and often, without wondering what each phone call will cost.
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Freedom to focus on your business
Spend your time on operations and growth while the legal side is looked after.
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Flexible fractions
Scale support up or down as your business needs change.
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Experienced legal judgment
More than 25 years of business law experience, in law firms and in-house.
How it works
Getting started is simple
Every business is different, so every engagement starts with a conversation about what you need.
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Introductory conversation
A no-obligation discussion about your business, your current legal needs and what you'd like to achieve.
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A tailored proposal
A recommended engagement model and scope, with fees agreed in writing up front.
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Working together
Your fractional GC gets to know your team and business, and becomes your go-to for legal questions.
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Adjust as you grow
Revisit the arrangement as your needs change, scaling support up or down.
Monthly retainer
A set fraction of time each month for ongoing support, such as contracts, advice and attending key meetings, with a predictable monthly cost.
Project or fixed fee
Support for a specific transaction, project or initiative, with the scope and fee agreed before work begins.
As needed
Hourly support when questions or matters come up, ideal if your legal needs are occasional or hard to predict.
Engagement models can be combined or changed over time. The right fit is discussed and confirmed in writing before any work begins.
FAQ
Common questions
How is a fractional general counsel different from an outside law firm?
A law firm typically handles specific matters as they arise, billed separately each time, often by lawyers who have to get up to speed on your business. A fractional general counsel works with you on an ongoing basis, gets to know your business and team, and can help you spot and manage issues before they become problems.
Is a fractional general counsel an employee?
No. A fractional general counsel is an independent lawyer engaged under a written agreement. You get many of the benefits of an in-house lawyer without the salary, benefits, recruiting or long-term commitment of a new hire.
What does a typical engagement look like?
It depends on your needs. Some clients want a set amount of support each month, with regular check-ins, contract reviews and availability for questions. Others need help with a particular transaction or project. Many start small and adjust as they go.
Can you work alongside our existing lawyers or legal team?
Yes. A fractional general counsel can handle overflow work, fill a gap on an in-house team, or coordinate and manage outside counsel on your behalf, helping keep legal work focused and costs under control.
What if a matter needs specialized expertise?
Some matters, such as litigation or highly specialized areas of law, are best handled by other lawyers. When that happens, your fractional general counsel can help you find the right counsel, manage the relationship and keep the work aligned with your business goals.
How are fees handled?
Fees depend on the engagement model: a monthly retainer, a project or fixed fee, or hourly as-needed support. The scope and fees are discussed up front and confirmed in a written engagement letter before any work begins.
Is our information kept confidential?
Yes. Once an engagement is in place, the same professional duties of confidentiality apply as with any lawyer. Please don't send confidential information through the website contact form before an engagement has been confirmed.
Let's talk about what your business needs.
Start with a no-obligation conversation about your legal needs and the right fraction for you.