How Much Does Fractional General Counsel Really Cost?

FGC retainers typically range from $4,000 to $8,000 per month depending on the complexity of your business, contract volume, and scope of governance and compliance needs. At the midpoint, a $6,000 monthly retainer equals $72,000 annually, which is less than one-third the cost of a full-time in-house general counsel.

A typical FGC retainer includes scheduled strategy calls (monthly or biweekly), unlimited contract review and drafting for routine agreements, corporate governance oversight, compliance monitoring, transaction support, and priority access for urgent matters with same-day response. The specific scope is tailored during the initial consultation.

A full-time in-house general counsel typically costs $150,000 to $300,000+ in annual compensation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median lawyer compensation exceeds $145,000. FGC provides access to two senior partners for less than one-third of a single in-house hire.

Hourly law firm engagements typically generate $120,000 to $180,000 annually for mid-market businesses that call frequently. The hourly model also creates billing friction that discourages proactive communication. FGC eliminates this friction with a flat fee that encourages you to call without hesitation.

Key factors include your company's annual revenue and transaction volume, the complexity of your industry's regulatory environment, the number of active contracts requiring oversight, whether you operate in one or both states (Idaho and California), and the scope of governance and compliance work required.

The monthly retainer covers all routine legal services. Extraordinary matters such as major litigation, complex M&A transactions, or specialized regulatory proceedings may require separate engagement at pre-agreed rates. Clark Meyers PC discusses any potential additional costs upfront before they are incurred.

Yes. Clark Meyers PC offers Outside General Counsel services on a project basis for companies that want to experience the quality of our counsel before committing to a full retainer. Many FGC clients begin this way.

FGC retainers are typically structured with an initial six-month commitment to allow time for the comprehensive legal audit and foundational work that delivers the most value. After the initial period, retainers continue on a month-to-month basis.

Most clients identify cost savings within the first 90 days through contract risk remediation, compliance gap closure, and operational efficiencies. The CEO time reclaimed alone, typically 15+ hours per month, represents significant value when redirected to revenue-generating activities.

Schedule a complimentary strategic consultation with one of our co-founders. We will assess your legal needs, identify immediate priorities, and propose a retainer structure tailored to your business. Call 855-208-2049.