Using a Fractional GC
In today’s fast-paced business environment, legal issues don’t wait for the perfect moment—or the perfect budget. Yet many growing companies find themselves caught between two extremes: relying on ad hoc legal advice or investing in a full-time General Counsel before it’s financially viable. That’s where a fractional General Counsel comes in.
As a fractional GC, I work with businesses that need strategic legal guidance without the overhead of a full-time hire. This model offers flexibility, cost-efficiency, and access to senior-level expertise tailored to your company’s stage and needs.
Here are a few reasons why more businesses are turning to fractional legal leadership:
Strategic Alignment: Unlike outside counsel who may focus narrowly on specific issues, a fractional GC becomes embedded in your business, building institutional knowledge over time. They understand your business, your culture, and your goals — and they grow with you. That continuity means faster decision-making, fewer legal missteps, and stronger investor and employee confidence.
Breadth of Support: From employment contracts to investor term sheets, commercial contracts to compliance frameworks — a fractional GC covers a wide range of legal needs, and knows when to bring in specialists (without over-lawyering).
Proactive Risk Management: Legal problems are often preventable. A fractional GC helps you spot issues early—before they become costly distractions.
Scalable Support: Whether you need a few hours a week or more intensive involvement during a transaction or crisis, fractional support scales with your business and provides you with executive-level legal insight without the six-figure salary. This is especially valuable for startups, scale-ups, and mid-sized companies navigating growth, investment, or regulatory complexity.
Commercial Thinking: A good fractional GC doesn’t just say “no” — they say “here’s how.” They understand your business model, your risk appetite, and your growth plans. They help you make decisions that are legally sound and commercially viable.
Ultimately, the value of a fractional GC lies not just in legal expertise, but in the ability to act as a trusted advisor—someone who understands your business and helps you make confident, informed decisions.
If you're curious about how fractional legal leadership could support your business, get in touch to start the conversation.
