What does an outside general counsel actually do?

I handle the day-to-day legal work a business runs into: reviewing and drafting contracts, answering the questions that come up week to week, and keeping your governance and ownership records clean. You get a lawyer who already knows your business, instead of starting from zero with someone new each time.

How is this different from hiring a law firm by the hour?

There's no meter. You pay a flat monthly fee and reach out whenever you need to, without watching the clock or bracing for the invoice. That changes the relationship: you call early, when problems are cheap to fix, instead of waiting until they're expensive.

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

No. The arrangement is month to month, scoped to what your business actually needs. If it stops being a fit, you're free to stop.

How much does fractional general counsel cost?

It's a flat monthly fee, set based on how much support your business needs and agreed before we start. You'll have the number up front, so you can budget for it.

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Practice Area

Outside General Counsel

You're past the point where legal questions can wait, but nowhere near ready to put a lawyer on payroll. Contracts pile up. A vendor sends terms you don't have time to read. A new hire wants equity. You need someone who already knows your business and picks up the phone.

How it works

Outside general counsel runs on a flat monthly subscription. You get a lawyer who knows your business and is there when questions come up, for a fee you can predict, without the salary, benefits, and overhead of a full-time hire.

What’s included

On-call answers to the legal questions that come up week to week
Commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation as agreements cross your desk
Governance housekeeping: resolutions, consents, and clean ownership records
A standing relationship, so you're never re-explaining your business from scratch

Who it’s for

Founders and owners of growing companies who feel the absence of in-house counsel but aren't ready to hire one full-time.

What it costs

A flat fee, scoped and quoted up front after an initial conversation that doesn’t cost you anything. No hourly billing, no surprise invoice.

Common questions

Questions clients ask

What does an outside general counsel actually do?: I handle the day-to-day legal work a business runs into: reviewing and drafting contracts, answering the questions that come up week to week, and keeping your governance and ownership records clean. You get a lawyer who already knows your business, instead of starting from zero with someone new each time.
How is this different from hiring a law firm by the hour?: There's no meter. You pay a flat monthly fee and reach out whenever you need to, without watching the clock or bracing for the invoice. That changes the relationship: you call early, when problems are cheap to fix, instead of waiting until they're expensive.
Do I have to sign a long-term contract?: No. The arrangement is month to month, scoped to what your business actually needs. If it stops being a fit, you're free to stop.
How much does fractional general counsel cost?: It's a flat monthly fee, set based on how much support your business needs and agreed before we start. You'll have the number up front, so you can budget for it.

Get in touch

Need help with outside general counsel?

Tell me what you're working on. The initial conversation is on the house, and you'll have a flat price before any work begins.

Get in Touch (248) 841-0278

This page provides a general overview of outside general counsel matters and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is different. Contact us to discuss the specifics of your matter.