Frequently Asked Questions

Dalton Law’s Fractional General Counsel services offer businesses access to seasoned, executive level legal services on a part-time or as-needed basis. This flexible model gives both large and small companies expert legal guidance and support without the high cost of maintaining a full-time in-house attorney.

Small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and companies navigating transitional phases can benefit from fractional General Counsel services. Some businesses require legal expertise but revenues don't yet justify the fixed cost of a full-time in-house attorney. Dalton Law can provide a flexible and cost-effective solution tailored to your needs.

Fractional General Counsel services can be tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require short-term support for a particular project or ongoing legal guidance, Dalton Law offers flexible and scalable arrangements that can adapt as your business evolves.

Full-time in-house lawyers require high overhead costs, typical of salaried executives. A Fractional General Counsel is a part-time contractor who provides flexible, ongoing legal support for a flat fee.  This model allows businesses to access experienced legal counsel at a significantly lower rate while still receiving the strategic guidance they need.

The key advantages of a Fractional General Counsel include cost savings compared to hiring a full-time in-house attorney, access to experienced legal counsel with in-house expertise, flexible service options tailored to business needs, and the ability to proactively address legal issues as they arise.

An Interim General Counsel is typically brought in to fill a temporary gap, such as when your General Counsel is on leave or while your company is in the process of hiring a permanent replacement. This role ensures continuity in legal operations during transitions. While Dalton Law also offers Interim General Counsel services, a Fractional General Counsel provides ongoing, part-time legal support, becoming an integrated part of your business. Fractional GCs work closely with your team on a long-term basis, offering strategic legal guidance to help your company grow while maintaining compliance and mitigating risks.

The key difference between a Fractional General Counsel and outside counsel at a law firm is the relationship with your business, the level of involvement, and the cost structure:

Fractional GC's act as an integrated part of your leadership team, providing ongoing, proactive legal support on a part-time basis. The services are typically offered on flat-rate fee that is both more predictable and often lower than the hourly rates charged by a law firm. But, instead of getting work done by a lower level associate who doesn't know you or understand your business, you're getting a seasoned, in-house attorney develops and maintains a deep understanding of your business, anticipate legal needs, and help with strategic decision-making. 

Outside Counsel are typically engaged on a case-by-case basis for specific legal matters, such as litigation or complex transactions that required specialized legal experience. Law firms charge by the hour or per project, often at higher rates, and their involvement is usually more reactive rather than proactive.

A Fractional General Counsel provides continuous, business-focused legal guidance and is more embedded in day-to-day operations, whereas outside counsel is engaged for specialized legal issues as needed. Many businesses benefit from a combination of both, using a Fractional GC for ongoing support and outside counsel for complex or highly specialized matters.