The Three Models
Every growing startup faces the question: how to organize legal support? The three main options are fundamentally different in cost structure, depth of involvement, and strategic value.
Model 1: Ad Hoc Law Firm (Hourly Billing)
How it works: You engage a law firm when a specific need arises — contract review, dispute, regulatory filing. Each matter is billed separately, typically by the hour.
- Cost: PLN 350-800/hour depending on firm tier and specialization
- Best for: Pre-seed startups with infrequent, specific legal needs
- Weakness: No strategic oversight, no continuity, reactive rather than preventive. No one monitors the overall legal risk picture.
Model 2: Fractional General Counsel (FGC)
How it works: An experienced lawyer serves as your part-time legal director on a subscription basis. They attend key meetings, manage external counsel when needed, and provide strategic legal guidance.
- Cost: PLN 4,000-20,000/month depending on hours package
- Best for: Seed to Series B startups needing regular legal support without full-time cost
- Strength: Combines strategic depth with cost efficiency. The FGC knows your business context, anticipates issues, and provides continuity.
Model 3: In-House General Counsel
How it works: A full-time lawyer on your payroll, dedicated exclusively to your company.
- Cost: PLN 20,000-35,000/month (salary + employer costs), plus benefits and office overhead
- Best for: Post-Series B companies with daily legal needs, 50+ employees, regulated industry
- Weakness: Expensive, limited expertise breadth (one lawyer cannot cover all areas), difficult to hire the right person at startup salary levels.
Cost Comparison: Series A Startup (50 employees, fintech)
| Scenario | Ad Hoc Law Firm | FGC Standard | In-House GC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | ~PLN 8,000-15,000 | PLN 7,000-10,000 | PLN 25,000-35,000 |
| Annual cost | ~PLN 96,000-180,000 | PLN 84,000-120,000 | PLN 300,000-420,000 |
| Strategic input | None | High | High |
| Availability | By appointment | Priority response | Always available |
| Industry expertise | Depends on firm | Selected specialist | One generalist |
When to Transition Between Models
- Pre-seed → Ad hoc — minimal legal needs, focus on product
- Seed / first hires → FGC Lite — employment contracts, founder agreements, first commercial deals
- Series A / growth → FGC Standard or Full — regulatory compliance, investor relations, multiple jurisdictions
- Series B+ / 100+ employees → In-house + FGC or specialized firms — daily volume justifies a full-time hire
Considering a Fractional GC for your startup? Let's discuss which engagement model fits your stage.