The Strategic Value of Hiring a First-Time or Fractional General Counsel

Key Insights 

• In-house General Counsel can reduce legal costs by up to 30%, according to the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC).  

• Fractional GC’s offer flexible, cost-effective legal leadership. 

• Strategic legal oversight supports M&A, funding rounds, and regulatory compliance. 

• Industry-specific GC’s enhance compliance in heavily regulated sectors.  

• Legal leadership drives growth, lowers risk, and increases valuation.  

In today’s uncertain economic climate, hiring a General Counsel (GC) is no longer a luxury—it’s a competitive advantage. Whether you’re scaling, entering new markets, or preparing for an exit, a skilled GC, either full-time or fractional, can deliver exceptional value across cost management, compliance, and corporate strategy.  

Why Hiring a General Counsel is a Smart Investment 

Cost savings & risk mitigation 

An in-house GC can dramatically cut legal expenses. According to the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), companies that bring legal expertise in-house can reduce outside legal costs by up to 30%. A GC proactively manages contracts, compliance, and litigation risk—preventing costly legal missteps and increasing internal efficiency.  

Transactional excellence & regulatory oversight 

During mergers, acquisitions, or funding rounds, a GC ensures deals are structured to maximize value while minimizing legal liabilities. Their oversight of data privacy, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance shields the business from fines, breaches, and reputational harm.  

Driving growth & exit readiness 

GC serve as trusted advisors to leadership teams, helping companies grow legally and operationally. Their guidance is especially critical during fundraising, IPOs, and sales processes—where clean legal hygiene directly boosts buyer confidence and valuation.  

Industry-specific legal expertise 

A GC with deep industry experience understands the nuances of highly regulated sectors such as technology, healthcare, and financial services. They streamline compliance, enable innovation, and ensure your legal infrastructure can support long-term success.  

Why Consider a Fractional General Counsel? 

Not every company needs a full-time GC. For startups, growth-stage firms, and private equity-backed businesses, a fractional General Counsel provides expert legal guidance on a flexible, cost-efficient basis. They’re often retained to support:  

• Exit preparation or M&A 

• High-stakes regulatory or IP issues  

• Contract and vendor oversight  

• Fundraising and board governance  

Fractional GCs bring high-level experience without the overhead, making them ideal during periods of rapid growth, restructuring, or pre-sale readiness. Their involvement often enhances operational discipline and legal credibility during due diligence.  

As legal complexity grows and business conditions remain fluid, hiring the right GC, whether fractional or full-time, can significantly elevate your legal posture and strategic agility. Stephanie Newman, Practice Leader of BrainWorks’ Lateral Partner Recruiting & In-House Retained Search, specializes in connecting leading organizations with top legal talent to meet their needs. Contact Stephanie today to discuss how our tailored recruiting solutions can position your organization for success.