What Is a Fractional General Counsel?
A Fractional General Counsel (FGC) is an experienced lawyer who serves as a part-time legal director for your company on a subscription basis. Unlike traditional hourly billing, the FGC becomes embedded in your team — attending key meetings, reviewing strategic decisions, and managing external counsel when needed.
When Does It Make Sense?
- After seed round — when legal needs become regular but don't justify full-time
- Regulated industry — fintech, healthtech, or any sector with ongoing compliance
- International expansion — when dealing with multiple jurisdictions
- Before a funding round — to prepare documentation and manage investor negotiations
FGC vs. Law Firm vs. In-House
The key advantage is combining strategic depth with cost efficiency. A law firm provides reactive support. An in-house counsel provides daily coverage at full-time cost. The FGC sits in between — strategic oversight at a fraction of the cost.
A good FGC: knows your business context deeply, anticipates legal risks proactively, coordinates external counsel as a quarterback, and scales engagement up or down based on your needs.
Considering a Fractional GC? Let's discuss the right model.