Why Your Business Needs General Counsel: Legal Protection and Strategic Guidance from BC Robertson Law

As your business grows, so does its complexity—and so do the legal risks. From contract disputes to compliance obligations and intellectual property protection, legal issues can arise at any stage. For many companies, the answer is clear: hire General Counsel.

But what does General Counsel do, and does your business really need one?

At BC Robertson Law, we serve as trusted legal advisors to Texas businesses, offering both outside general counsel services and project-based legal support. Whether you're a startup, small business, or established company, having access to consistent, strategic legal guidance is not just helpful—it’s essential.

⚖️ This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific legal needs.

What Is General Counsel for Business?

General Counsel (GC) refers to an attorney (or team) who provides ongoing legal services and strategic advice to a business. They function as the chief legal officer, helping the business stay compliant, reduce liability, and plan for long-term success.

Many small to mid-sized businesses choose to outsource general counsel services instead of hiring a full-time in-house attorney. This allows them to get expert legal support without the high cost of a salaried legal department.

At BC Robertson Law, we act as General Counsel to businesses across Texas, offering flexible, affordable legal services tailored to your industry and goals.

Why General Counsel Matters for Your Business

Business owners wear many hats—but navigating the legal system shouldn’t be one of them. Here’s why having General Counsel is critical:

1. Proactive Risk Management

General Counsel doesn’t just respond to legal issues—they help prevent them. We identify potential legal risks early and help put safeguards in place to protect your business.

2. Strategic Legal Planning

From entity formation to expansion or acquisition, General Counsel provides legal insights aligned with your business strategy. We help you make informed decisions that support your long-term growth.

3. Contract Review and Negotiation

Contracts are the foundation of business relationships. GC services ensure your agreements are:

• Legally sound

• Clearly written

• Favorable to your business

We also help negotiate and enforce contracts if disputes arise.

4. Cost Efficiency

Hiring outside General Counsel is far more cost-effective than bringing on an in-house legal team—especially for businesses with ongoing but non-daily legal needs.

What Services Does General Counsel Provide?

At BC Robertson Law, our General Counsel services cover a wide range of legal needs, including but not limited to:

✓ Business Formation & Entity Selection

Choosing the right legal structure—LLC, Corporation, Partnership—has long-term implications for taxes, liability, and control. We guide you through:

• Choosing the optimal entity

• Drafting operating agreements and bylaws

• Filing with the Texas Secretary of State

✓ Contract Drafting, Review, & Negotiation

We handle all types of business agreements, including:

• Vendor and supplier contracts

• Client and service agreements

• Independent contractor agreements

• Licensing and IP contracts

• Partnership and shareholder agreements

✓ Employment Law & HR Support

Staying compliant with Texas and federal labor laws is vital. We provide:

• Employee handbooks and policies

• Non-disclosure and non-compete agreements

• Wage and hour law compliance

• Termination and severance agreements

✓ Corporate Governance & Compliance

We ensure your business stays legally compliant with:

• Annual filings

• Meeting minutes and resolutions

• Regulatory requirements

• Ethics and governance policies

✓ Dispute Resolution & Litigation Management

If a legal dispute arises, we provide:

• Pre-litigation risk assessments

• Mediation and negotiation support

• Litigation oversight with outside counsel (if needed)

✓ Intellectual Property Protection

Your brand is one of your most valuable assets. We help you protect it through:

• Trademark registration and monitoring

• Copyright and trade secret strategy

• Licensing agreements

✓ Mergers, Acquisitions, and Business Transactions

Planning to sell, merge, or acquire another company? We guide you through the legal, tax, and contractual aspects of complex business transactions.

Who Needs General Counsel Services?

General Counsel services are not just for Fortune 500 companies. Businesses of all sizes can benefit, including:

▶ Startups and Early-Stage Companies

Laying a solid legal foundation early can prevent costly mistakes later. General Counsel helps with:

• Incorporation

• Investor agreements

• IP protection

• Contract formation

▶ Growing Small Businesses

As your team, revenue, and partnerships expand, so do your legal needs. General Counsel ensures you remain compliant, scalable, and protected.

▶ Mid-Sized Companies

If your business has recurring legal needs but isn’t ready to hire full-time in-house counsel, outside general counsel services are the ideal solution.

Why Choose BC Robertson Law for General Counsel Services?

At BC Robertson Law, we go beyond drafting documents—we become your strategic partner and trusted legal advisor.

✔ We Know Business

Our deep understanding of business operations allows us to give legal advice grounded in business reality. We help you move fast, smart, and protected.

✔ We’re Flexible and Affordable

We offer customized legal packages, including:

• Flat-fee general counsel retainers

• Hourly project work

• Ongoing monthly support

This allows you to budget confidently and access legal help when you need it most.

✔ We’re Committed to Your Success

We build long-term relationships with our clients and are invested in their growth. Our goal is to help you operate with confidence, scale with security, and avoid unnecessary risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Counsel Services

❓ Do I need General Counsel if I already have an accountant?

While your accountant handles financial reporting and taxes, General Counsel handles legal issues like contracts, employment law, and compliance. Both professionals play vital—but distinct—roles.

❓ Can I hire General Counsel only when I need help?

Absolutely. At BC Robertson Law, we offer on-demand legal counsel for one-time issues or ongoing support. You choose the level of engagement that fits your business.

❓ How much does outside General Counsel cost?

Our pricing depends on the scope and complexity of services. We offer:

• Hourly rates for short-term projects

• Monthly retainers for continuous legal support

• Flat-fee packages for common business needs

We’re happy to provide a free consultation to create a plan tailored to your needs and budget.

Protect Your Business. Empower Your Growth.

Every successful business needs more than marketing and operations—it needs legal structure, foresight, and protection. Whether you’re forming a new venture, navigating growth, or preparing for a strategic exit, General Counsel services help you operate with clarity and confidence.

At BC Robertson Law, we serve as your legal partner in every phase of business. You focus on growing your business—we’ll focus on protecting it.

📞 Schedule your consultation today to learn how General Counsel services can support your goals and safeguard your future.