Fractional General Counsel

A fractional in-house counsel, often called a fractional General Counsel (GC)or fractional legal counsel, provides legal support and expertise to a company on a part-time, contract basis. This model offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness compared to hiring a full-time in-house lawyer.

Here's a more detailed look:

Fractional Counsel Explained

  • Part-time Legal Support
    • Fractional GCs work for multiple clients, dedicating a portion of their time to each.
  • Flexible Engagement:
    • They can be hired for specific projects, ongoing legal advice, or a mix of both.
  • Experience:
    • Fractional GCs typically have experience working as in-house counsel or in law firms.
  • Cost-effective:
    • Companies avoid the overhead costs associated with full-time hiring, including salary, benefits, and office space

When to consider fractional GC:

  • Rapid Growth
    • Companies growing quickly may need temporary legal support.
  • Legal Issues:
    • Businesses facing ongoing legal challenges or needing compliance advice may benefit from regular legal counsel.
  • Need for Legal Expertise:
    • Companies needing expertise in specific areas, like intellectual property or contracts, might hire a fractional GC.
  • Cost-Conscious:
    • Smaller businesses, startups, and nonprofits often find fractional GC services more affordable than full-time hiring.

Fractional Counsel Benefits

  • Access to Expertise
    • Businesses can access high-quality legal counsel on demand, without the commitment of a full-time hire.
  • Flexibility:
    • The arrangement can be scaled up or down as needed, allowing companies to adjust their legal support based on their current needs.
  • Cost Savings:
    • Companies can save money by avoiding the overhead costs of a full-time lawyer.
  • Business-First Approach:
    • Fractional GCs, often former in-house lawyers, are more likely to provide practical, business-focused legal advice.
Fractional General Counsel