Why the Fractional General Counsel Model Is On the Rise

Businesses today are moving faster than ever. They are signing more contracts, entering new markets, facing complex regulations, and dealing with higher expectations from customers and partners. Yet most companies do not have the budget or the workload to justify a full in-house legal department. This is where the fractional general counsel model has gained momentum.

A fractional general counsel provides senior-level legal support on a flexible, part-time, or ongoing retainer basis. Companies receive the same strategic legal leadership that a full-time general counsel brings, without the cost or commitment of an in-house hire. For companies that rely heavily on sales and procurement contracts, the model offers a practical way to manage legal risk while keeping deals moving forward.

What a Fractional General Counsel Does

A fractional general counsel is more than a contract reviewer. They act as a trusted advisor who understands the business, aligns legal strategy with company goals, and helps leadership teams make informed decisions.

Common responsibilities include:

• Overseeing all commercial contracts

• Supporting sales and procurement teams during deal cycles

• Developing contract templates and playbooks

• Reducing bottlenecks that slow down revenue

• Managing legal risk in day to day operations

• Advising on regulatory and compliance matters

• Supporting management with governance, policies, and processes

Many companies also rely on fractional support during rapid growth, restructuring, mergers, international expansion, or when there is no in-house legal team.

Why the Model Is Becoming So Popular

Cost efficiency

Hiring a full-time general counsel can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each year when salary, benefits, bonuses, and overhead are included. A fractional general counsel provides the same level of expertise at a predictable monthly fee.

Scalability

Legal needs come in waves. Sales teams may close more deals in certain quarters. Operations may face new supplier agreements. A new compliance requirement may emerge. Companies can scale fractional hours up or down based on needs.

Faster contract turnaround

A common reason companies lose revenue is slow contract review. A fractional counsel dedicated to sales and procurement agreements helps move deals forward faster and reduces friction between teams.

Better legal processes

Fractional counsel can design contract workflows, create template libraries, and implement approval processes so the company does not depend on outside lawyers for every small issue.

Strategic alignment

Unlike project based lawyers who step in occasionally, a fractional general counsel becomes part of the leadership rhythm. They attend meetings, understand business priorities, and help the company anticipate risks before they become problems.

Why Canadian Businesses Are Turning to Fractional Counsel

In Canada, businesses face a unique mix of legal complexity. Federal and provincial regulation, cross border trade, supply chain agreements, privacy rules, employment issues, and sector specific requirements make legal oversight essential.

Small and mid sized companies often cannot justify a full in house legal team. At the same time, relying only on traditional law firms results in unpredictable and often high costs.

The fractional model gives Canadian companies a middle option. It provides ongoing support, predictable fees, and a direct line to a business minded lawyer who understands day to day operations.

Why This Matters for Manufacturers and Food and Beverage Companies

Manufacturing and food and beverage businesses deal with some of the most complex contracts:

• Co manufacturing agreements

• Packaging and supply agreements

• Forecasting and volume commitments

• Quality and recall obligations

• Distribution agreements

• Cross border import and export terms

A small mistake in these areas can result in significant financial exposure.

A fractional general counsel who focuses on contract risk management can help standardize agreements, negotiate fair terms, and protect the company during supplier or customer disputes.

This aligns with a growing need in the sector for specialized contract oversight rather than general legal advice.

How to Know if a Fractional General Counsel Is Right for You

Your business may benefit from a fractional general counsel if:

• Contracts are slowing down your sales cycle

• Legal issues are consuming management time

• You rely heavily on suppliers, distributors, or co manufacturers

• You want to reduce reliance on external law firms

• You do not want the cost of a full time GC

• Your business is expanding or taking on new risks

• You want ongoing support for contract drafting, review, and negotiation

Companies that move quickly often reach a point where contract risk cannot be ignored. A fractional general counsel solves this by providing consistent, strategic legal leadership.

About Delta Law’s Fractional General Counsel for Contracts Service

Delta Law provides fractional general counsel support to businesses across Canada. The service includes drafting, reviewing, redlining, and negotiating sales and procurement agreements, along with ongoing contract risk management. Businesses receive predictable monthly fees and fast support that helps deals close sooner with fewer risks.

Book a Consultation today!