Question 1

What is outside general counsel?

Accepted Answer

Outside general counsel is an attorney or law firm that serves as a company's primary legal advisor on an ongoing basis, rather than being employed in-house. Outside general counsel provides the same broad legal support as an in-house legal department — contract review, employment advice, dispute management, corporate governance — but on a flexible, cost-effective basis. It is an ideal solution for growing businesses that need more legal support than they can afford to hire full-time.

Question 2

What is the difference between outside general counsel and a law firm on retainer?

Accepted Answer

A law firm on retainer typically handles specific matters as they arise — a lawsuit, a contract negotiation, a regulatory issue. Outside general counsel is more integrated: we learn your business, provide proactive advice, and are available for day-to-day questions. The relationship is ongoing and collaborative, not transactional. We become a trusted part of your team rather than an outside vendor you call in a crisis.

Question 3

What size businesses benefit most from outside general counsel?

Accepted Answer

Outside general counsel is most valuable for businesses that have outgrown ad hoc legal advice but are not yet large enough to justify a full-time in-house attorney. This typically means businesses with 10 to 200 employees, significant contract volume, employment complexity, or active litigation exposure. We tailor our engagement to the specific needs and budget of each client.

Question 4

How is outside general counsel typically billed?

Accepted Answer

Outside general counsel engagements can be structured in several ways — monthly retainer, hourly billing, or a hybrid arrangement. Monthly retainers provide budget predictability and ensure you have access to legal advice without worrying about the meter running. We discuss billing structure with each client to find an arrangement that works for their budget and legal needs.

Question 5

Can outside general counsel handle litigation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stavros Law P.C. is a litigation firm, which means we can handle disputes that arise in the course of our general counsel relationship — rather than referring you to a separate litigation firm. This continuity is valuable: we already know your business, your contracts, and your history, which makes us more effective advocates when a dispute arises.

Question 6

What employment law issues does outside general counsel typically handle?

Accepted Answer

Employment law is one of the most active areas for outside general counsel. We advise on hiring practices, offer letters, employment agreements, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, wage and hour compliance, leave obligations under the FMLA and ADA, accommodation requests, workplace investigations, performance management, and termination decisions. Proactive employment law advice is one of the highest-value services we provide.

Question 7

How quickly can outside general counsel respond to urgent matters?

Accepted Answer

We understand that business legal issues often arise without warning and require prompt attention. We are available by phone and email for urgent matters and provide same-day or next-day responses for time-sensitive issues. Our goal is to be as responsive as an in-house attorney while providing the depth and experience of a specialized litigation firm.

Question 8

How do I know if my business needs outside general counsel?

Accepted Answer

Your business may benefit from outside general counsel if you are regularly entering into contracts without legal review, making employment decisions without legal advice, facing recurring legal questions without a trusted advisor to call, or managing litigation with multiple outside firms who do not know your business. If legal issues are consuming significant management time or creating anxiety, outside general counsel can provide the ongoing support and peace of mind your business needs.

Outside General Counsel Utah

Utah Outside General Counsel Services

General Counsel Services

Ongoing Legal Counsel

Contract Review & Drafting

Employment Law Compliance

Dispute Prevention & Management

Corporate Governance

Regulatory Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal depth without the in-house overhead.

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