Fractional GC/CLO Services

Many growing businesses have complex legal needs but are not yet of a size or scale that having a full-time General Counsel (GC) or Chief Legal Officer (CLO) makes sense. We provide fractional GC/CLO services to these businesses to aid in their growth. We do this in a way that provides valuable legal support while maintaining flexibility for the client. This can vary from company to company. For some, the need for a business lawyer is an occasional phone call or contract review. For others, it’s more intensive and extensive involvement. We provide it all – tailored to each client’s needs.

What is a Fractional GC/CLO?

Fractional GC/CLO services are designed to give businesses strategic legal leadership without the cost or long-term commitment of in‑house legal department. As companies grow, legal issues naturally become more complex, and they need someone to triage and address issues. Contracts become more sophisticated, compliance obligations increase, employment concerns arise, intellectual property becomes more valuable, and decision‑making requires a clearer understanding of risk. Yet hiring a full‑time executive‑level attorney is often premature. That’s where fractional general counsel support fills the gap. We determine the level of service you need, and we provide it. You get the support you need without the long-term commitment.

Types of Service

For companies needing only occasional guidance, we act as an on‑call resource, as needed. This might be just answering questions that pop up and providing insight. Or it could include reviewing a vendor contract, evaluating a nondisclosure agreement, advising on a partnership opportunity, or helping with a one‑off regulatory issue. Our goal is to give clients fast, practical answers so they can make informed decisions without slowing down operations.

Other clients require deeper and more consistent involvement, often similar to what a traditional in‑house general counsel would provide. For these businesses, we assist with a myriad of issues. These can include: contract management, internal policies, employment matters, risk assessment, business strategy, compliance planning, negotiation support, and daily operational legal needs. We become part of the leadership team—attending meetings, developing internal processes, and helping guide the company’s legal strategy—while still functioning as an external, flexible resource.

Advantages of Fractional Help

This structure gives clients significant advantages:

• Predictability through flat‑fee or recurring monthly arrangements
• Access to executive‑level legal experience without the overhead
• Scalability as their needs grow or shift over time
• Consistency from a long‑term legal partner who understands their business

We tailor our approach to the company’s size, industry, and stage of growth. A startup preparing for investment rounds may need help with corporate governance and investor communications. A mid‑sized business might require support with employment practices, contract systems, and regulatory compliance. A company expanding into new markets may need guidance on risk and structure during the transition. Whatever the need, we adapt to fit the business rather than forcing the business into a rigid service model.

Another key benefit of fractional GC/CLO services is continuity. Instead of jumping between different attorneys for different issues, clients have a single, dedicated legal point of contact—someone who understands their history, decision‑making style, and long‑term goals. This consistency allows us to be proactive, not just reactive. We can identify risks early, anticipate challenges, and help business owners stay ahead of legal issues before they become costly problems.

As businesses continue to grow, we can also help them evaluate when it’s the right time to hire a full‑time GC/CLO or other in-house attorneys. And we assist with that transition as well. Our goal is always to support the company’s success, whether that means continuing on a fractional basis or helping build an internal legal function.

Fractional general counsel services are ultimately about empowering businesses with the legal insight and strategic guidance they need to operate confidently, make informed decisions, and continue moving forward without unnecessary interruptions. We offer flexibility, depth, and practical support—all tailored to where the business is today and where it wants to go.