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Outside General Counsel in California

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OUTSIDE GENERAL COUNSEL SERVICES IN CALIFORNIA

By Attorney Andrei Jingan | Law Office of Andrei Jingan
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, Redwood City, Concord, Sacramento, and all of California.

Introduction: Why California Businesses Need Outside General Counsel

California is one of the most heavily regulated and legally complex business environments in the United States. From employment laws to contractual obligations, consumer privacy requirements, compliance expectations, and operational risks, California companies face legal challenges every day — challenges that grow as a business expands.

Many companies cannot justify the cost of hiring a full-time in-house attorney, yet operating without consistent legal guidance exposes businesses to preventable disputes, violations, and liabilities.

This is why the Outside General Counsel (OGC) model has become essential for California businesses. It provides companies with continuous legal support, strategic advice, risk management, and contract protection — without the cost or commitment of a full-time legal hire.

As a licensed California Attorney with more than 15 years of combined legal experience, including over 5 years as in-house counsel and more than 10 years in corporate legal operations, contracts management, and legal administration, I help businesses throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, Concord, Redwood City, Sacramento, and statewide receive the legal support they need to thrive.

This guide explains what Outside General Counsel is, why it matters, what services are included, how pricing works, and how your business can benefit from ongoing legal partnership.


What Is an Outside General Counsel?

An Outside General Counsel (OGC) is a licensed attorney who serves as your business’s primary legal advisor on an ongoing basis — functioning much like an in-house general counsel, but without being a full-time employee.

Businesses may use OGC services on:

  • A subscription basis
  • A part-time (“Fractional General Counsel”) basis
  • An hourly, as-needed basis

With OGC support, your company gains:

  • A dedicated attorney familiar with your operations
  • A long-term strategic legal partner
  • Contract protections and negotiation strength
  • Support for HR, employment law, and compliance
  • Proactive risk management
  • Faster decision-making
  • Predictable legal costs

OGC is the modern, cost-efficient solution for businesses that need continuous legal guidance.


Why California Is Especially Challenging for Businesses

California’s legal environment includes:

1. Rapidly Evolving Employment Laws

Employers must follow strict rules concerning wage and hour compliance, meal and rest breaks, overtime, leave laws, harassment prevention, discrimination, and worker classification.

2. Complex Contractual Interactions

California businesses regularly enter into agreements with vendors, clients, landlords, technology providers, and contractors — often with significant financial and operational implications.

3. Consumer Privacy Expectations

Even small companies must comply with data privacy requirements and protect customer information through proper disclosures, internal processes, and documentation.

4. Corporate Governance Obligations

Corporations and LLCs must maintain operational formalities, proper records, and governance documents to remain compliant and protect owners.

5. Higher Litigation and Enforcement Risks

California employers and businesses face heightened risk of claims, disputes, and regulatory investigations.

These challenges make legal guidance not just helpful — but necessary.


Challenges Businesses Face Without Ongoing Legal Support

Without an attorney available to provide continuous guidance, businesses often experience:

Reactive Legal Strategy

Many companies wait until a problem arises to call a lawyer — by then, it may be too late or significantly more expensive.

Unclear Legal Responsibilities

Owners frequently face questions such as:

  • Is this termination lawful?
  • Should this worker be an employee or contractor?
  • Does this contract expose us to risk?
  • Are we required to provide this leave?
  • Do we have compliant workplace policies?

Guessing is dangerous; missteps can lead to costly consequences.

Employee Disputes

California employers face high exposure for employment law violations — even small errors can lead to significant claims.

Signing Contracts Without Legal Review

Businesses may unknowingly agree to unfair or risky terms.

Compliance Gaps

Required policies, notices, and operational procedures are often missing or outdated.

Slower Decision-Making

Uncertainty leads to hesitation. With OGC support, decisions become quicker and more reliable.


What an Outside General Counsel Does for Your Business

Outside General Counsel services include:

1. Contract Drafting, Review, and Negotiation

Contracts form the foundation of your business. OGC services provide:

  • Custom drafting
  • Risk assessment
  • Negotiation with vendors or clients
  • Protection of intellectual property
  • Clear, enforceable terms
  • Avoidance of hidden liabilities

2. Employment Law Support

I help companies with:

  • Hiring and onboarding documents
  • Employee classification
  • Wage and hour compliance
  • Creation of employee handbooks
  • HR policy development
  • Termination planning
  • Workplace investigation support

3. Corporate Governance

Proper governance protects owners and ensures compliance. I assist with:

  • Bylaws and operating agreements
  • Resolutions and annual minutes
  • Ownership documentation
  • Corporate record maintenance
  • Structural updates

4. Risk Management and Legal Strategy

OGC services help identify risks early and implement solutions before issues escalate.

5. Data Privacy and Compliance

I help businesses create:

  • Privacy policies
  • Website terms
  • Data-handling practices
  • Vendor compliance systems

6. Policy and Procedure Development

Clear policies support consistent operations. These include:

  • Employee handbooks
  • Workplace standards
  • Remote work and technology use
  • Document retention policies
  • Contract review processes

7. Day-to-Day Legal Support

As your OGC, I answer the legal questions that arise every day, helping you make informed and confident business decisions.


Fractional General Counsel: A Deeper Partnership

Fractional GC services go beyond traditional OGC support. As Fractional General Counsel:

  • I work closely with your leadership
  • Participate in strategic discussions
  • Provide ongoing operational guidance
  • Help build legal frameworks that support scaling
  • Offer a comprehensive legal strategy for the company

This model is ideal for companies with active legal needs but not enough work or budget for a full-time general counsel.


Industries Served

I support businesses in:

  • Technology and software
  • Startups
  • Construction and trades
  • Real estate
  • Professional services
  • Nonprofits
  • Retail and e-commerce
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare and wellness
  • Service-based businesses

Each industry requires tailored legal approaches — which I provide.


LOCALIZED SUPPORT THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA

San Francisco Bay Area

Businesses in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, and surrounding cities face:

  • Sophisticated contracts
  • Complex employment issues
  • High regulatory expectations
  • Competitive market pressures

OGC services help maintain compliance and reduce risk.


Silicon Valley

Companies in Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale benefit from:

  • Startup legal frameworks
  • IP-related contract guidance
  • Equity and founders support
  • Negotiation of technology agreements

Fractional GC services are especially valuable for scaling companies.


Walnut Creek & East Bay

Businesses in Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Danville, and nearby areas often need:

  • Employment law compliance
  • Contract drafting and negotiation
  • Corporate governance
  • Policy development

Redwood City & Mid-Peninsula

Companies in Redwood City, San Mateo, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto benefit from:

  • Technology contracting
  • Policy infrastructure
  • Scalable legal systems
  • Professional services support

Concord & Industrial Corridor

Industries here include:

  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • Logistics

These businesses benefit from risk mitigation, safety policies, and strong contract protections.


Sacramento & Greater Sacramento

Businesses in Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove, Rocklin, and surrounding regions require:

  • Employment practices support
  • Contract negotiation
  • Internal policy development
  • Corporate structure updates

OGC provides practical and cost-efficient legal help.


Pricing for Outside General Counsel Services

I believe in transparent, predictable pricing.

Hourly Rate

$275–$325 per hour, depending on complexity.


Monthly Retainer Packages

Essential Plan (10 hours/month)

$2,500–$3,000 per month
Ideal for smaller businesses or those with light legal needs.

Core Plan (20 hours/month)

$4,500–$5,500 per month
Perfect for growing companies needing frequent legal support.

Growth Plan (40 hours/month)

$8,500–$10,500 per month
Best for companies seeking a part-time General Counsel.


Flat-Fee Projects

Available for:

  • Employee handbooks
  • Contract templates
  • Governance cleanup
  • Website legal documents
  • Policy packages
  • Compliance projects

About Attorney Andrei Jingan

I am a licensed California Attorney and founder of the Law Office of Andrei Jingan.
I bring over 15 years of combined legal experience, including:

  • 5+ years as in-house legal counsel
  • 10+ years as a paralegal, contracts manager, and legal administrator

My background gives me a unique understanding of:

  • Employment law
  • Contract negotiation
  • Corporate governance
  • Business risk management
  • Compliance
  • Policy creation
  • Real-world operational challenges

Clients appreciate my responsiveness, clarity, strategic thinking, and practical approach.
My mission is to help your business operate confidently and avoid unnecessary legal risk.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Outside General Counsel?

A licensed attorney who provides ongoing legal services to your business as if they were an in-house general counsel, but on a part-time or subscription basis.

Do you serve clients throughout California?

Yes — including the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, Redwood City, Concord, Sacramento, and beyond.

Do you handle litigation?

I primarily focus on preventive legal support. When litigation is necessary, I assist in coordinating with litigation counsel and guide strategy.

Can I change my retainer plan?

Yes — retainers can be scaled up or down based on your business needs.

Do you work with startups?

Absolutely. Startups benefit from contract frameworks, employment structures, and compliance systems that support growth and investment readiness.


Contact the Law Office of Andrei Jingan

Your business deserves consistent, reliable legal support from an attorney who understands both law and business operations.

If you’re located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, Redwood City, Concord, Sacramento, or anywhere in California, I invite you to reach out.