In today’s fast-moving business environment, companies of all sizes are turning to Outside General Counsel (OGC) and Fractional General Counsel (FGC) for practical, cost-effective legal support. These flexible legal solutions provide ongoing access to experienced attorneys without the expense of hiring a full-time, in-house lawyer. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about OGC and FGC services, designed to help you understand how they can protect and strengthen your business.
What is an Outside General Counsel?
An Outside General Counsel is an attorney or law firm that serves as your company’s on-call legal department. Instead of employing a full-time lawyer, you work with outside counsel who provides ongoing or as-needed legal advice. This can include contract drafting and review, employment law compliance, dispute resolution, corporate governance, and risk management.
Businesses often choose OGC when they want consistent legal guidance without the overhead of a full-time employee. It’s a smart way to gain access to senior legal experience while maintaining flexibility and controlling costs.
What is a Fractional General Counsel?
A Fractional General Counsel offers similar services to an OGC but typically works on a part-time or retainer basis—almost like having a lawyer on staff for a set number of hours per week or month. Fractional GCs often integrate more closely with a company’s leadership team, helping shape policy, negotiate deals, and manage legal operations from within.
Startups, small to mid-sized companies, and rapidly growing businesses find this model especially useful. It offers the stability of in-house counsel and the scalability of outside legal support.
What Types of Businesses Benefit from OGC or FGC Services?
Virtually any business can benefit from this model. Common clients include:
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Startups seeking to stay compliant while scaling quickly.
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Small to Mid-sized companies managing complex contracts, employment issues, or partnerships.
- Family-owned businesses needing steady legal advice but not full-time counsel.
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Enterprises looking to reduce in-house costs or supplement existing legal teams.
- Production & Post-production companies
Whether your company faces daily legal challenges or only needs periodic guidance, these services can be tailored to your operational needs.
How Do OGC and FGC Services Save Money?
Hiring a full-time General Counsel can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. With an OGC or FGC, you only pay for the time and expertise you need. There are no benefits, bonuses, or overhead costs—just professional legal advice when you need it.
This model also prevents costly legal mistakes, helping businesses avoid disputes, regulatory penalties, and contract issues that could become expensive down the road.
What Areas of Law Do They Handle?
Outside and Fractional General Counsel typically assist with:
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Contract negotiation and drafting
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Employment and HR compliance
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Business formation and governance
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Intellectual property strategy
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Risk management and litigation oversight
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Mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships
Their role is proactive—identifying potential risks before they become problems.
How Do I Choose the Right General Counsel Partner?
Look for a law firm or attorney with broad business experience, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of your industry. Ask about pricing models, responsiveness, and examples of similar clients they’ve supported. The right OGC or FGC should act as a trusted business advisor, not just a legal technician.
Final Thoughts
Engaging an Outside or Fractional General Counsel allows you to access top-tier legal advice without the full-time cost. Whether you need help with contracts, compliance, or long-term strategy, these services provide the flexibility, protection, and insight your business needs to grow with confidence.