Why Hiring a Fractional General Counsel Could Be the Smartest Move for Your Business
When you’re running a growing business, legal support isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. But for many startups and small-to-mid-sized companies, hiring a full-time general counsel just isn’t financially feasible. That’s where a Fractional General Counsel (FGC) comes in.
This flexible, strategic solution gives your business ongoing legal expertise — without the full-time salary or overhead. Let’s explore why more companies are turning to fractional counsel, and how it can protect your bottom line and position you for long-term growth.
What is a Fractional General Counsel?
A Fractional General Counsel is a highly experienced attorney who works with your business on a part-time or as-needed basis. Unlike traditional outside counsel, they become an integrated advisor — familiar with your operations, risk profile, and goals — offering consistent legal guidance and strategic support.
They handle everything from contract review and compliance to employment law, governance, intellectual property, and risk mitigation — all without the six-figure salary of a full-time GC.
5 Reasons to Hire a Fractional General Counsel
1. Cost-Effective Legal Expertise
Hiring a full-time general counsel can cost $175,000 to $275,000+ annually, depending on experience and location. Fractional GCs, by contrast, offer flexible billing models — hourly, monthly retainer, or project-based — with average savings of 40–60% compared to a full-time hire.
- 80% of small businesses report legal fees as a major barrier to proactive risk management.*
- Fractional counsel eliminates that barrier, delivering top-tier legal support at startup-friendly pricing.
2. Strategic Risk Management
Many companies only call a lawyer when something goes wrong. But by then, the damage is done. A fractional GC is there before the issue arises — preventing problems rather than just reacting to them.
From regulatory compliance and employment law to data privacy and contract strategy, a fractional GC provides a proactive legal shield against costly missteps.
- Businesses that address legal risks early reduce litigation likelihood by up to 70%.
3. Flexibility as You Grow
Your legal needs evolve. A fractional GC grows with you — increasing hours or scope when needed, and scaling back when things stabilize. You get what you need, when you need it.
This is particularly valuable for startups, SaaS companies, or venture-backed firms navigating changing contracts, funding rounds, and employment structures.
4. Deep Business Integration
Unlike a traditional law firm, a fractional GC becomes familiar with your internal processes, company culture, and growth goals. They act not just as a lawyer, but as a strategic advisor who can weigh in on executive decisions, contract strategy, and even leadership dynamics.
- Businesses with embedded legal advisors make faster, more confident decisions — with a 20–30% boost in operational efficiency.
5. Faster Response Times, Better Alignment
With a fractional GC, you don’t wait in a queue or get passed around to associates. You get direct, senior-level access to someone who understands your business — no onboarding, no retelling your story.
This speed and familiarity are invaluable when time-sensitive decisions or urgent reviews arise.
When to Consider Hiring a Fractional General Counsel
You're signing or negotiating more contracts than usual
You're hiring, firing, or restructuring your team
You're preparing for funding or investor conversations
You're entering a new market or launching a new product
You’ve encountered compliance questions or internal disputes
You're tired of piecemeal, reactive legal help
Final Thoughts
Hiring a Fractional General Counsel isn’t just a cost-saving move — it’s a growth strategy. It’s how smart companies manage risk, move faster, and stay protected without breaking the bank.
At The Fideo Group, we specialize in helping businesses like yours make legally sound, strategically sharp decisions every day. Let’s talk about what fractional support could look like for your company.
