Outside General Counsel for Small and Mid-Size Businesses
Ongoing advisory relationships for businesses that need regular legal counsel without full-time in-house overhead.
Updated
Does my business need outside general counsel, or should I just call a lawyer when something comes up?
It depends on how often legal questions come up and how much context they need. If you need a lawyer once or twice a year for a single contract or filing, paying by the project is usually fine. If questions come up every month, such as vendor contracts, employee issues, leases, and governance, an ongoing relationship can save time because your lawyer already knows the business. A full-time in-house lawyer usually makes sense only once the legal work fills a full-time job.
This is general information about Georgia law, not legal advice for your situation.
"I need a lawyer I can call when something comes up, who already knows my business."
General counsel is a relationship, not a transaction. The value is in knowing the client's business well enough to give fast, practical advice without a learning curve every time they call. This is where the business-operator perspective is most valuable: understanding the commercial context behind every legal question.
Most businesses at the $1M–$50M revenue stage do not need a full-time in-house attorney. They do need someone who is available, who understands their operations, and who can give them a straight answer without a week of research and a $5,000 bill. That is what a general counsel retainer relationship provides.
The retainer structure means you have access to counsel when you need it, at a predictable monthly cost, without the overhead of employment. Contract review, employment matters, regulatory compliance, vendor negotiations, and the legal questions that come with running a business, all handled by someone who already knows the context.
- Contract review and negotiation
- Employment matters and compliance
- Regulatory compliance
- Vendor and supplier agreements
- Risk assessment and advisory
- Corporate governance
- Day-to-day legal advisory
Frequently asked questions
What does an outside general counsel do?
An outside general counsel acts as the company's regular lawyer without being on the payroll. Typical work includes reviewing contracts, answering employment and governance questions, keeping corporate records current, and spotting issues early so they do not turn into disputes.
How is outside general counsel usually billed?
Arrangements vary. Common options are a monthly retainer for a defined scope of work, hourly billing, or a mix. The scope and terms should be in a written engagement letter before work begins.
When does it make sense to hire an in-house lawyer instead?
Usually when the legal work is steady enough to keep one person busy full time, or when the business needs someone on site every day. Many companies keep outside counsel even after hiring in-house for litigation and specialized work.
These answers are general information about Georgia law as of October 2026. They are not legal advice, and reading them does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Contact Us
Submit a consultation form to discuss your matter and begin a conversation with Scates Law.
Schedule a ConsultationSubmitting a consultation form or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.