Every business faces legal decisions—some routine, others with long-term consequences. Contracts, employees, disputes, compliance, and risk all come with legal weight. But who handles it all? If you’re asking what is a general counsel, you’re not alone. Many business owners and corporate leaders reach a point where legal support shifts from optional to essential.
What Is a General Counsel?
A general counsel is a business’s chief legal advisor—responsible for managing contracts, compliance, risk, employment issues, and legal strategy. This role helps protect the company, support leadership decisions, and prevent legal problems before they impact operations.
Some companies hire an in-house general counsel as a full-time executive. Others partner with a law firm that offers outside general counsel services. Either way, the goal is the same: protect the company, guide smart decisions, and reduce legal exposure.
A general counsel doesn’t just handle emergencies. They shape policy, spot risk early, and keep deals and operations moving without legal surprises.
What Does a General Counsel Do?
The job goes far beyond reviewing documents. So what does a general counsel do day to day? The role includes a wide range of responsibilities, depending on the size and industry of the company.
- Contract drafting and negotiation: Building clear, enforceable contracts with vendors, customers, employees, and partners.
- Compliance and regulatory oversight: Keeping the business aligned with local, state, and federal laws, including industry-specific rules.
- Employment law support: Advising on hiring, terminations, handbooks, wage laws, and internal investigations.
- Litigation management: Responding to legal threats, handling lawsuits, and coordinating with outside counsel when needed.
- Risk evaluation: Reviewing business decisions to flag legal issues before they become liabilities.
- Corporate governance: Supporting the board of directors, documenting major decisions, and managing legal records.
General counsel attorneys often act as a bridge between outside legal specialists and internal business leaders. They understand the legal terrain but also know how business decisions get made. That mix of skills helps companies act quickly and avoid problems before they escalate.
What Is a Deputy General Counsel?
In larger corporations, the legal team may include a deputy general counsel. This is a senior lawyer who works under the general counsel and manages specific areas like litigation, contracts, or compliance. A deputy general counsel may oversee a department or handle complex legal issues directly.
In smaller businesses, there’s often no need for a deputy. However, understanding the structure helps clarify how legal roles evolve as a business grows.
Why a Business May Need General Counsel
The need for general counsel isn’t tied to company size alone. Some startups handle complex contracts or operate in highly regulated sectors. Others face growing legal demands as they scale.
Here are signs that general counsel services could help:
- Legal questions are slowing down key decisions.
- Contracts are being reused without legal review.
- Employees raise HR or compliance concerns that feel risky.
- Multiple departments are dealing with vendors, partners, or customers under vague agreements.
- Legal issues are draining time and attention from business operations.
General counsel services help reduce these friction points. Instead of reacting to problems, companies gain legal systems that prevent them.
General Counsel vs. Outside General Counsel
Hiring an in-house general counsel can be costly. That’s why many Colorado businesses choose outside general counsel services instead. This model offers ongoing legal support without the expense of a full-time executive.
Outside general counsel services typically include:
- Dedicated legal contact familiar with your business
- Regular meetings or check-ins on legal matters
- Fast response to contract, HR, or regulatory questions
- Representation in disputes, negotiations, or government inquiries
- Flat-fee or flexible billing options for predictable costs
This gives companies access to strategic legal advice without expanding headcount. The legal partner gets to know the company over time, so advice becomes sharper and more relevant.
Legal Guidance Becomes a Business Advantage
Good legal counsel doesn’t slow things down—it gives your team the confidence to move faster with fewer risks. The general counsel role brings structure, strategy, and foresight to the legal decisions every business must make. It’s not about red tape. It’s about clarity, protection, and smarter execution.
Understanding what a general counsel is—and what a general counsel does—can help business leaders decide when it’s time to build a lasting legal partnership.
Whether in-house or outsourced, this is a role that can transform how a business handles legal risk, opportunity, and growth. Contact Baker Law Group, PLLC today to learn about how we can help.
