Answering Your Top Questions About General Counsel Services

Posted June 30, 2025 in Uncategorized

General counsel attorneys have a lot of responsibilities. As a legal jack-of-all-trades, they can guide a company through a legal nightmare to a positive resolution on the other side. Many people are familiar with criminal lawyers, personal injury lawyers, and tax attorneys, but what exactly does a general counsel lawyer Littleton, CO do?

What Does a Company General Counsel Lawyer Do?

An in-house general counsel lawyer is the business’s legal strategist and general advisor for legal, employment, regulatory compliance, and contractual business matters. They may act as the head of the legal department and are usually on par with other C-suite executives. Company general counsel attorneys advise on the strategic direction of the company and conduct regular risk assessments to minimize the likelihood of legal issues.

Can I Hire a General Counsel For One Specific Matter?

Yes, many general counsel lawyers act as outside counsel for businesses, especially for small businesses or emerging enterprises that don’t have a budget (or need) for a full-time in-house counsel. These general counsel lawyers may offer ongoing legal advisement and risk mitigation services or may work on a single project, such as when it’s time to raise capital to expand or if you need to renegotiate a business partnership.

When Should I Hire a General Counsel Lawyer?

Ideally, you have a general counsel lawyer on retainer or through a flat-fee subscription service. However, if your enterprise is small enough that having ready access to legal help isn’t yet in your budget, then the time to hire a lawyer is:

• #1: When you want to know your legal options to resolve a dispute you can’t manage on your own
• #2: As soon as you’ve been served with legal papers, such as a lawsuit or a regulatory agency complaint
• #3: When you’re ready to grow your business or otherwise make structural changes to it (such as merging with another business or acquiring a portion of another company)

What Kind of Cases Does a General Counsel Lawyer Handle?

General counsels typically handle business-related matters, from drafting and reviewing contracts to drawing up operating agreements for LLCs or corporate bylaws, reviewing employee policies and employment contracts, and advising businesses on changes in state and federal laws that impact the operation or employment obligations.

General counsel lawyers can oversee litigation, either independently or collaborating with outside counsel. They also conduct ongoing risk assessments for the company, thereby reducing the likelihood of litigation involvement.

What Kind of Strategic Advice Can a General Counsel Give?

GCs focus on growth opportunities for the enterprise while also considering any potential legal risks. They ensure that company operations are compliant with laws and industry regulations (such as OSHA requirements) and help the company board and C-suite executives make informed business decisions.

Risk mitigation is a key focus of a general counsel attorney. They identify legal risks associated with a new venture, like a merger or acquisition. Your GC can also advise you of potential legal issues if an employee files a complaint or if there is a breach of contract with a former employee (like a non-compete agreement) or vendor.

Hire a Colorado General Counsel Lawyer Today

Do you need bespoke legal advice for a pressing legal matter? Volpe Law LLC can assuage concerns you have about operations or legal risks to your business. Our general counsel lawyer serving Littleton can provide you with practical, actionable advice in these matters and more. Contact Volpe Law LLC today for a complimentary discovery call.