Fractional General Counsel

Senior legal counsel,
without the overhead.

Your business deserves experienced legal guidance — not just when things go wrong, but built into how you grow. I serve as a trusted legal partner for companies that aren't ready for a full-time GC.

Schedule a conversation → See what I do →
Areas of focus
Ongoing legal strategy for businesses that move fast
Contracts Employment Compliance M&A support Risk management Corporate governance
3x
First in-house hire at three companies
20–40%
Typical cost vs. in-house GC
Currently accepting new clients
Limited engagements available this quarter
What is a fractional GC?

General counsel expertise,
on your terms

A fractional general counsel is an experienced attorney who serves as your company's in-house legal counsel on a part-time or as-needed basis — giving you the strategic legal leadership of a senior executive without the cost of a full-time hire.

Unlike outside counsel who bill by the hour for specific matters, a fractional GC becomes embedded in your business. I learn your goals, your risks, and your industry — and provide proactive legal guidance rather than reactive problem-solving.

The result is better legal outcomes, faster decision-making, and a trusted advisor who's genuinely invested in your success.

What you get Full-time GC Fractional GC
Senior legal expertise ✓ ✓
Deep business context ✓ ✓
Proactive risk management ✓ ✓
Strategic legal counsel ✓ ✓
Salary + benefits ($300K+) ✓ ✕
Fixed overhead commitment ✓ ✕
What I do

Legal services tailored to
how your business works

I provide comprehensive legal support across the areas that matter most to growing companies — from day-to-day contracts to long-term risk strategy.

Contracts & Agreements

Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts, vendor agreements, NDAs, and partnership arrangements — protecting your interests on every deal.

Employment & HR

Employment agreements, offer letters, handbooks, severance, and workplace compliance — helping you hire, manage, and part ways with employees the right way.

Compliance & Risk

Navigating regulatory requirements, data privacy obligations, and industry-specific compliance — building systems that protect your business before problems arise.

Business Transactions

Legal support for mergers, acquisitions, investments, and major business transactions — from due diligence to closing, with clear guidance at every step.

Corporate Governance

Board governance, entity structure, shareholder agreements, officer and director obligations, and policy frameworks — keeping your company well-governed as it grows.

Equity & Finance

Cap table management, equity plan documentation, financing transactions, and investor agreements — getting the legal infrastructure right for your growth stage.

The process

How we work together

Getting started is simple. I focus on understanding your business first — the legal work follows from there.

1
Initial conversation

We talk about your business, your current legal needs, and where you're headed. No obligation, no meter running.

2
Engagement structure

We agree on a scope and structure that fits your needs — whether that's a monthly retainer, project-based, or on-call support.

3
Ongoing partnership

I become part of your team — available for questions, reviews, negotiations, and strategic guidance as your business evolves.

Professional headshot
About Ryan
"The best legal counsel anticipates problems before they become expensive ones."

I'm Ryan Pierce, an experienced executive and Fractional General Counsel, after serving as the first legal hire at three organizations. I was General Counsel for a Phoenix, Arizona-based environmental consulting company, after serving in the same role for a construction company and previously for a fast-growing, private equity-backed business technology provider.

As a generalist, my typical services include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of contracts, managing litigation, working with outside counsel on mergers and acquisitions, advising Human Resources on labor and employment matters, and advising on corporate governance issues.

My approach is practical. I work to understand your business objectives first, then build legal strategies that support — rather than obstruct — how you operate. I work with clients across the country on matters within my practice areas.

J.D., Georgetown Law B.S. Finance, Arizona State Licensed in Arizona
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Get in touch

Let's talk about your business

Tell me a little about what you're working on. I'll follow up to schedule a no-obligation introductory call.

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