An outside general counsel is a lawyer or legal team hired externally to handle a company’s legal matters without being an in-house employee. They provide ongoing legal support for businesses, often acting as a trusted advisor on contracts, compliance, risk management, and litigation—without the cost of hiring a full-time general counsel.
📌 What Does an Outside General Counsel Do?
An outside general counsel offers a broad range of legal services, including:
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Contract drafting and negotiation
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Employment law guidance
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Corporate governance and compliance
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Intellectual property protection
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Risk assessment and mitigation
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Dispute resolution and litigation strategy
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Mergers, acquisitions, and business formation advice
They act as a strategic legal partner for day-to-day issues and high-stakes matters.
💼 Who Needs Outside General Counsel Services?
Small to mid-sized businesses, startups, and growing companies often benefit most. These companies need reliable legal advice but may not have the budget or workload to justify a full-time in-house counsel.
Industries that commonly use OGC services include:
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Tech startups
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Healthcare practices
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E-commerce businesses
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Professional service firms
- Production & post-production companies
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Small business owners
💵 How Much Does Outside General Counsel Cost?
Costs vary based on the scope of services, but many firms offer flat-fee or monthly retainer models. This helps companies budget legal costs more predictably.
Typical pricing options:
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Hourly billing for project-based work
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Monthly retainers for ongoing legal support
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Custom packages based on company size and needs
🕒 When Should I Hire an Outside General Counsel?
You should consider hiring OGC when:
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You’re scaling and legal issues are increasing
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You need consistent legal oversight
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You want to avoid legal mistakes before they happen
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You’re preparing for investment, acquisition, or major growth
OGC helps you stay legally compliant while focusing on running your business.
📝 What Should I Look for in an Outside General Counsel?
Choose someone with:
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Industry experience relevant to your business
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Clear communication and availability
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A proactive approach to legal risk and compliance
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The ability to work like part of your internal team
Check references and make sure the relationship feels like a long-term fit.
🤝 Can Outside Counsel Represent Me in Court?
Yes. Many outside general counsel attorneys also litigate and can represent your company in court or arbitration if needed. If they can’t, they often coordinate with or manage outside litigators on your behalf.
📲 How Do I Get Started with Outside General Counsel Services?
Start by booking a free consultation with a firm that offers OGC services. Discuss your business needs, legal concerns, and budget. From there, you’ll get a proposed scope of work and engagement terms.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Outside general counsel services give you executive-level legal advice without the full-time price tag. Whether you’re launching, scaling, or stabilizing your business, OGC helps you reduce risk, make smart decisions, and stay compliant.