A Fractional General Counsel performs many of the same duties as a traditional in-house general counsel, but on a part-time or project basis. These services are typically provided by an experienced attorney or law firm with deep business law expertise.
Here are common legal services handled by a Fractional GC:
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Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating business contracts
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Employment law compliance and workplace policy guidance
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Mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring
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Intellectual property protection and licensing
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Managing litigation or coordinating outside general counsel
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Ensuring regulatory compliance in your industry
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Risk management and legal strategy
Essentially, a Fractional GC becomes your trusted legal advisor, helping your executive team make smart legal decisions and proactively identify potential risks before they become costly problems.
Who Needs a Fractional General Counsel?
Fractional General Counsel services are ideal for:
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Startups that need frequent legal input but lack the budget for a full-time hire
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Small and mid-sized businesses growing quickly or entering new markets
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Companies in regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, or technology
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Businesses preparing for acquisition or fundraising
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Organizations with inconsistent or project-based legal needs
If your business finds itself repeatedly reaching out to outside counsel for help—or trying to manage legal issues without dedicated expertise—a Fractional GC may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Benefits of Hiring a Fractional General Counsel
Hiring a Fractional General Counsel offers key advantages for businesses:
1. Cost Efficiency
You get experienced legal leadership without the six-figure salary of a full-time GC. Most Fractional GCs work on a retainer, hourly, or project basis—allowing you to scale services based on your budget.
2. Continuity and Familiarity
Unlike traditional outside counsel, a Fractional GC builds an ongoing relationship with your team and becomes deeply familiar with your operations, industry, and goals.
3. Strategic Legal Guidance
Your Fractional GC provides proactive advice—not just reactive solutions—helping you avoid legal pitfalls and align your legal strategy with business growth.
4. On-Demand Availability
Get the legal support you need, when you need it, without long wait times or inconsistent communication.
5. More Control Over Legal Spend
You set the scope, frequency, and type of work based on your company’s evolving needs.
How is a Fractional General Counsel Different from Outside Counsel?
While both Fractional GCs and outside counsel are not full-time employees, their approach is different.
| Fractional General Counsel | Outside General Counsel |
|---|---|
| Embedded with your business | Hired for specific matters |
| Provides ongoing, strategic advice | Often handles transactional or litigation tasks |
| Works like an internal team member | Operates externally, case by case |
| More predictable legal spend | Typically billed by the hour or project |
In short, Fractional GCs act as part of your leadership team, while outside counsel is often brought in only when a specific legal issue arises.
How to Choose the Right Fractional General Counsel
When selecting a Fractional General Counsel, consider the following:
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Industry experience: Look for someone familiar with your business sector.
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Breadth of legal knowledge: Ensure they can handle the range of issues you encounter.
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Communication style: Choose someone who works well with your executive team.
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Flexible pricing structure: Make sure their model aligns with your financial goals.
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References and reputation: Ask for case studies or client testimonials.
Final Thoughts: Is Fractional General Counsel Right for You?
If your business needs trusted, strategic legal support—but not a full-time hire—a Fractional General Counsel offers a smart alternative. You get an experienced legal partner to guide your decisions, mitigate risk, and help your business grow—on your terms.
FAQ Highlights
What is a Fractional General Counsel?
A Fractional General Counsel is a part-time or contract-based legal advisor who offers in-house style legal services without being a full-time employee.
How much does a Fractional General Counsel cost?
Costs vary, but many attorneys offer flexible monthly retainers, hourly rates, or flat fees—often significantly less than hiring full-time staff.
Can startups use a Fractional General Counsel?
Yes. Startups benefit from Fractional GCs by gaining essential legal support during growth, funding, and scaling phases.
Need reliable Fractional General Counsel services?
Contact Boesch Law Group today to schedule a free consultation and explore how our legal team can support your business.