Fractional General Counsel

Metalegal’s Fractional General Counsel (Fractional GC) practice is designed for businesses that require consistent, high-quality legal support but do not yet have, or do not require, a full-time in-house legal department. The model combines the depth and discipline of an in-house legal function with the perspective and independence of an external law firm. Our role as Fractional GC is not limited to issue-based advice. We work closely with management teams to embed legal thinking into day-to-day decision-making, risk assessment and long-term planning. 

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WHAT THE FRACTIONAL GC ROLE ENTAILS

A General Counsel’s role extends beyond drafting and dispute management. It involves judgment, prioritisation, institutional memory and an understanding of the business as a whole. As Fractional GC, we act as a continuous legal partner to the organisation, providing:

• Ongoing legal advisory across functions

• Early identification of legal and regulatory risks

• Support in structuring transactions and commercial arrangements

• Coordination of external counsel where required

• Consistent interpretation and application of law and policy 

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OUR APPROACH TO FRACTIONAL GC ENGAGEMENTS

Embedded, not episodic

We work as an extension of the management team, with a clear understanding of the business, its objectives and its risk profile. Legal advice is contextual, not reactive.
 

Structured and disciplined

Engagements are governed by defined scopes, communication protocols and review mechanisms. This ensures clarity, accountability and consistency.
 

Preventive, not just corrective

We focus on preventing disputes and regulatory issues by identifying risks early and addressing them through sound structuring and documentation.
 

Aligned with business realities

Advice is practical, commercially aware and tailored to the stage and nature of the business.

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SCOPE OF SUPPORT

Depending on the engagement, our Fractional GC services may include:

• Commercial contracts and negotiations

• Corporate governance and compliance

• Regulatory advisory and liaison

• Employment and workplace issues

• Dispute risk assessment and strategy

• Transactional support and structuring

• Coordination of litigation, investigations or regulatory responses

• Legal process design and documentation frameworks

Our teams work closely with founders, CXOs, finance teams and operational heads. 

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WHO THE FRACTIONAL GC MODEL SUITS

The Fractional GC model is particularly suited for:

• Startups and growth-stage companies

• Technology and platform businesses

• Businesses operating in regulated sectors

• Companies undergoing scale-up, restructuring or fundraising

• Organisations that need continuity of legal advice without a permanent in-house team​​

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