- Consumer's Choice Award 2019
- Consumer's Choice Award 2020
- Consumer's Choice Award 2021
- Consumer's Choice Award 2022
- Consumer's Choice Award 2023
- Consumer's Choice Award 2024
Outside general counsel services provide ongoing legal support to businesses without maintaining a full-time in-house attorney. For companies in Berkeley and throughout Illinois, this arrangement delivers routine transactional support, contract drafting and review, regulatory guidance, and strategic counsel on governance and risk management. Many organizations find value in predictable legal cost structures and a stable relationship that develops institutional knowledge about the client’s business, goals, and tolerance for risk over time.
Choosing outside general counsel helps businesses access consistent legal advice tailored to operational needs while preserving flexibility in staffing and budget. These services can scale with your company as matters arise, from negotiating vendor agreements to advising on employment or regulatory issues. By partnering with a law firm that understands local Illinois business practices and state regulations, companies secure proactive legal support that aligns with decision-making and commercial timelines.
Outside general counsel plays an important role in keeping businesses legally sound and commercially focused. Counsel provides timely review of contracts, helps manage disputes before they escalate, and offers compliance guidance that reflects Illinois and federal requirements. This continuity reduces surprises, supports faster transactions, and protects value by aligning legal responses with business priorities. A trusted outside counsel relationship also streamlines communication and reduces the time senior management spends handling routine legal questions.
Frankfort Law Group represents businesses across Illinois, offering business and corporate services that include outside general counsel. Our attorneys bring years of practical business law experience working with small and mid-sized companies, helping them address transactional matters and day-to-day legal needs. We prioritize clear communication, responsiveness, and solutions that reflect the realities of running a business in Berkeley and Cook County, with attention to contractual risk, regulatory obligations, and dispute avoidance strategies.
Outside general counsel services encompass a broad set of ongoing legal tasks intended to support normal business operations. Typical responsibilities include drafting and negotiating contracts, providing employment law guidance, advising on corporate governance, and reviewing regulatory compliance matters. The arrangement can be customized to each company’s needs and can include regular meetings, dedicated points of contact, and tailored service packages that align legal support with the client’s operational cadence and budgetary preferences.
These services are structured to be proactive and preventive, helping businesses avoid costly disputes and regulatory penalties. Outside counsel often performs risk assessments, prepares standard form agreements, and supports transactional closings. They also coordinate with outside specialists when matters require litigation, tax, or intellectual property work. The goal is to provide timely, practical legal guidance that lets business owners concentrate on growth while the law firm handles legal risk management.
Outside general counsel refers to a law firm or attorney retained to provide ongoing counsel to a company without being an in-house employee. This role is adaptable, ranging from part-time advisory support to a more intensive retainer arrangement with regular legal services. The relationship is governed by an engagement agreement that sets expectations for scope, communication, billing, and confidentiality. Effective outside counsel integrates legal advice into the client’s business processes and decision-making.
Key elements include a clear scope of services, defined billing or retainer terms, and an assigned attorney or team committed to the client’s matters. Processes often involve regular status updates, contract templates tailored to the business, and preventive legal reviews for new initiatives. Communication protocols establish how urgent issues are handled and how the firm coordinates with internal staff. Together these components create a dependable framework for delivering consistent legal support.
Understanding common terms helps business owners make informed decisions about outside counsel arrangements. This glossary includes definitions for retainer agreements, scope of services, engagement letters, billing arrangements, conflicts checks, and privilege protections. Familiarity with these terms reduces surprises and supports clearer negotiations when setting up a counsel relationship. A plain-language explanation of each concept makes it easier to compare proposals and choose arrangements that fit operational needs and budgets.
A retainer agreement outlines the ongoing relationship between a business and its outside counsel, describing services to be rendered, billing terms, and how the firm will allocate time and resources. This document may set a monthly fee, hourly rates, or a hybrid structure that includes capped fees for routine work. The retainer clarifies expectations for communication, confidentiality, and what happens when matters fall outside the agreed scope, helping to avoid disputes about fees or responsibilities.
An engagement letter formalizes the initial terms of representation for a particular matter or ongoing relationship. It identifies the client, describes the services to be provided, sets out billing practices and fee arrangements, and explains how conflicts of interest and confidentiality are handled. For outside general counsel, the engagement letter is the foundation document that frames the working relationship, sets expectations, and provides a reference if issues about scope or billing arise.
The scope of services specifies which legal tasks the outside counsel will perform and which matters are excluded. A clear scope helps manage costs and ensures both parties understand boundaries. It can include contract drafting, employee matters, regulatory compliance, routine negotiations, and legal risk assessments. When complex or specialized issues arise, the scope may also describe when the firm will engage outside third-party counsel or recommend other resources.
Attorney-client privilege protects confidential communications made for the purpose of obtaining legal advice. For business clients, maintaining privilege requires careful handling of documents and communications. Outside counsel works with clients to identify privileged communications, advise on record-keeping, and set protocols for sharing sensitive information. Effective confidentiality practices help safeguard strategic information and support legal defenses if disputes or regulatory inquiries arise.
Businesses considering how to meet legal needs should weigh outside general counsel against hiring in-house counsel or relying on ad hoc transactional lawyers. Outside counsel offers predictable access without the full overhead of a salaried attorney, while in-house hires provide daily presence and immediate availability. Ad hoc arrangements can be cost-effective for discrete matters but may lack continuity. The choice depends on volume of legal work, budget, and desire for institutional knowledge built over time.
A limited or ad hoc approach is often suitable when a business has infrequent legal matters that are straightforward to resolve. Companies with predictable, rare transactions may prefer to engage outside counsel only as needed to keep costs aligned with activity. This approach makes sense when there is clarity about the type and scope of services required, and when planning allows time to onboard counsel each time a matter arises.
Ad hoc legal services are appropriate for projects with a clear beginning and end, such as drafting a lease, handling a single negotiation, or advising on a discrete regulatory filing. When tasks can be well-defined in advance, using project-based agreements helps manage costs and ensures deliverables are clearly described. This model avoids ongoing fees and gives businesses flexibility to choose attorneys with the right background for each matter.
A comprehensive outside counsel relationship is ideal when a company faces continuous legal work that touches many areas of business operations. Regular contract negotiations, routine employment matters, vendor disputes, and compliance obligations benefit from a consistent legal partner who knows the business context. This continuity reduces the time spent re-explaining background facts and allows the firm to provide advice that reflects long-term goals and evolving operational needs.
Businesses that prefer predictable monthly or quarterly legal costs often choose comprehensive outside counsel arrangements. A retainer or managed legal services model can smooth spending and provide access to prioritized legal support. Predictable billing allows leadership to plan for legal expenses and reduces the stress of unanticipated legal bills, enabling smoother financial forecasting and clearer decision-making when new business initiatives arise.
A comprehensive approach fosters deep understanding of a client’s operations and risk profile, which leads to faster legal turnarounds and more tailored recommendations. Ongoing counsel becomes familiar with standard contracts and preferred practices, enabling quicker negotiation and reduced review cycles. This continuity can prevent small issues from becoming larger disputes and helps align legal strategies with business growth plans and regulatory changes.
Another benefit is streamlined vendor and employee onboarding, with ready-made templates and policies crafted for the business. Outside counsel can implement consistent contract terms and advise on compliance measures that reflect Illinois law and industry norms. Over time, this consistency reduces transactional friction, supports better internal governance, and contributes to operational stability that helps the business scale without unexpected legal surprises.
Consistent counsel means legal advice that is aligned with how the company operates and makes decisions. When attorneys understand a client’s products, partners, and risk tolerance, they deliver guidance that fits operational timelines and commercial objectives. This alignment reduces delays, improves contract negotiations, and supports informed decision-making across departments such as sales, operations, and human resources.
A preventive approach focuses on identifying and addressing legal issues early to avoid costly disputes or regulatory consequences later on. Regular policy reviews, contract standardization, and compliance checks all contribute to protecting business value. Outside counsel that maintains ongoing involvement can recommend operational changes to minimize exposure and help implement practices that reduce the likelihood of litigation or enforcement actions.
Set expectations for preferred communication channels, typical response times, and who the primary contacts will be on both sides. Clarifying these points at the start prevents misunderstandings and ensures urgent matters receive prompt attention. Define how updates and approvals will be handled, and agree on a rhythm for regular check-ins so the law firm remains informed about business plans and anticipated legal needs.
Schedule periodic legal checkups to review compliance, employee policies, and common contract terms. Preventive reviews catch issues while they are manageable and help maintain operational continuity. Regular audits of internal practices and external agreements allow counsel to identify trends and recommend small adjustments that reduce exposure, ultimately saving time and money compared with resolving disputes after they escalate.
Companies opt for outside general counsel to balance access to legal knowledge with cost control and flexibility. This service provides ongoing support for everyday legal tasks and preserves management time for strategic priorities. Businesses appreciate having a legal partner who understands industry-specific issues and local Illinois regulations, who can advise on contracts, employment matters, and regulatory compliance without the expense of a full-time, in-house attorney.
Organizations also value the continuity that comes with a retained counsel relationship. That continuity ensures faster responses and a deeper institutional familiarity with the company’s operations, reducing the need to repeatedly explain background facts. Many clients find outside counsel enhances negotiation outcomes, provides reliable contract templates, and offers practical guidance that supports sustainable growth and operational resilience.
Outside counsel is frequently engaged when businesses undertake regular contracting, open new locations, hire or terminate employees, or face regulatory reporting requirements. Companies planning growth, fundraising, or complex vendor agreements also benefit from continuous legal support. Additionally, when disputes arise, having counsel already familiar with the business expedites response strategies and helps preserve privileged communications during investigations or negotiations.
Businesses with frequent transactions benefit from counsel that prepares and maintains contract templates and negotiates terms that protect the company while supporting commercial objectives. Outside counsel can expedite vendor onboarding by providing standard agreements and quickly reviewing counterparty changes. This approach shortens transaction cycles and reduces legal spend per contract, letting procurement and sales teams close deals more efficiently.
Employment matters including hiring, employee policies, and termination processes often require legal oversight to align practices with state and federal laws. Outside counsel assists in drafting employee handbooks, advising on wage and hour questions, and managing sensitive separations. Regular involvement helps employers reduce compliance risks and implement consistent procedures that protect the business and its workforce.
Companies operating in regulated industries or those subject to industry-specific requirements benefit from counsel that monitors regulatory changes and helps maintain compliance. Outside counsel can prepare necessary filings, advise on licensing matters, and recommend procedural controls that reduce regulatory exposure. Ongoing counsel supports timely responses to inquiries and helps document compliance efforts in case questions arise.
Frankfort Law Group is available to discuss how an outside general counsel arrangement can be structured to meet your goals in Berkeley and across Illinois. We offer flexible engagement models, clear billing options, and responsive service tailored to the realities of running a business. Contact us to explore how ongoing legal support can reduce risk, streamline operations, and support growth while keeping legal costs manageable and predictable.
Frankfort Law Group represents businesses across multiple industries and understands the practical legal needs of companies operating in Illinois. Our approach focuses on clear communication, responsiveness, and delivering legal services that support business objectives. Clients benefit from attorneys who prioritize client relationships, timely advice, and pragmatic solutions that balance legal protection with commercial priorities.
We provide tailored engagement options, including retainer arrangements and project-based services that fit different budgets and operational needs. Our team collaborates with management to develop templates and protocols that streamline recurring transactions, reduce legal friction, and support ongoing compliance efforts. The result is a legal relationship designed to be both accessible and aligned with the rhythms of your business.
Clients working with our firm receive straightforward guidance focused on practical outcomes rather than unnecessary formalities. We emphasize preventive measures, timely contract work, and constructive negotiation strategies. Whether addressing daily operational matters or preparing for growth, our goal is to enable business leaders to move forward with confidence and clarity about legal implications.
Our process begins with a consultation to understand business needs, current legal challenges, and budgetary priorities. From there we propose a tailored engagement model, identify primary points of contact, and set communication protocols. Regular check-ins and accessible counsel ensure issues are addressed promptly. We also document standard templates and procedures so legal advice becomes an integrated part of daily operations and long-term planning.
We start with a comprehensive intake to identify priorities, recurring legal needs, and potential exposures. This step includes reviewing existing contracts, policies, and governance documents to develop a baseline understanding. Based on that review we recommend an engagement structure and propose templates and processes that will deliver consistent value while aligning with the client’s operational rhythm and budgetary expectations.
During intake, we collect key documents and speak with leadership to understand business operations, vendor relationships, and employee issues. Reviewing contracts, organizational documents, and compliance records helps us identify immediate priorities and opportunities for process improvement. This stage sets the foundation for efficient ongoing counsel by clarifying which matters require routine attention and which should be escalated.
We draft an engagement letter that outlines scope, billing arrangements, and communications expectations. Protocols for urgent matters, regular updates, and approval workflows are established to ensure efficient collaboration. Clear terms reduce confusion, allow for predictable budgeting, and make it easier for both teams to work together toward shared operational and legal goals.
After setup, we provide ongoing services such as contract drafting, compliance reviews, policy updates, and routine legal advice. Preventive measures like standardized agreements and training for internal staff are implemented to reduce risk. Regular reviews ensure documents remain current and aligned with any regulatory changes, allowing the business to operate with confidence that legal matters are being actively managed.
We handle routine transactional work including drafting and negotiating sales agreements, service contracts, and vendor arrangements, and we advise on employment and governance matters. By managing standard transactions efficiently, the firm minimizes disruptions to business operations and helps teams close deals faster while maintaining terms that protect the company’s interests.
Ongoing compliance monitoring includes reviewing policies, advising on regulatory developments, and updating internal processes as needed. We help implement procedures that make compliance part of daily operations, document efforts for regulatory reporting, and recommend adjustments in response to changes in law or business practices to reduce potential liabilities.
When complex disputes or specialized needs arise, we coordinate with outside counsel or in-house teams as necessary and manage the escalation process. This ensures continuity and preserves privileged communications while providing the right resources for litigation, tax, or intellectual property matters. Our role is to guide strategy, handle immediate responses, and integrate specialized services into the client’s broader legal posture.
If disputes emerge, we assess options, prepare response strategies, and, when appropriate, engage trial counsel or other specialists. Coordination includes preserving records, directing communications, and aligning litigation strategy with business objectives. Managing these transitions efficiently helps protect the company’s position and limits distraction from core operations.
After a matter resolves, we conduct a post-resolution review to identify lessons learned and update templates or policies accordingly. This review supports continuous improvement and reduces the chance of repeat issues. Recommendations from these reviews are implemented to strengthen governance, streamline contractual processes, and better align legal practices with future business goals.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
Outside general counsel provides a range of services for small businesses, including drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on employment and regulatory questions, and assisting with governance matters. The role often includes producing standard templates, conducting compliance reviews, and offering practical legal guidance that helps the business operate with fewer legal interruptions. The arrangement can be tailored so counsel handles recurring tasks and escalates complex matters when needed.These services are designed to be proactive and practical, focusing on solutions that support daily operations and long-term planning. For many small businesses, outside counsel reduces the time owners spend managing legal issues and provides continuity that improves negotiation efficiency and risk management. The relationship can be structured to match the company’s budget and preferred level of engagement.
Fee structures for outside general counsel vary and can include monthly retainers, fixed-fee packages for certain services, hourly billing, or hybrid arrangements that combine a retainer with reduced hourly rates. The choice depends on the expected volume of work and the client’s preference for predictable budgeting. Retainer models give clients access to a defined amount of legal time each month, which can help smooth legal costs.When discussing fees, we outline what services are covered and which matters may incur additional charges. Transparency about billing practices and regular reporting helps clients manage legal spending. An engagement letter clarifies billing cycles, expense handling, and how we will notify clients of work that falls outside the agreed scope.
Yes. Outside counsel commonly assists with employment-related matters such as developing employee handbooks, advising on hiring and termination processes, addressing wage and hour concerns, and advising on compliance with state and federal employment laws. Regular legal involvement helps employers create consistent policies that reflect Illinois requirements and reduce exposure to employment disputes.Counsel can also support HR processes by training managers on legal pitfalls, reviewing separation agreements, and advising on accommodations or anti-discrimination obligations. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of disputes and ensures employment practices are documented and defensible should questions arise.
Response time for urgent matters is agreed upon during engagement setup and depends on the severity and nature of the issue. We establish communication protocols and escalation procedures so clients know how to reach counsel for time-sensitive concerns. For urgent matters, we prioritize immediate assessment and outline next steps to protect the business’s interests.Maintaining responsiveness requires clear contact points and an understanding of what constitutes an emergency. By setting expectations and establishing priority channels, we ensure clients receive timely legal guidance during critical situations without disrupting regular operations.
Our firm focuses on serving businesses in Illinois, including Berkeley and Cook County, and we keep current with relevant state and local regulations. Familiarity with Illinois law enables us to advise on licensing, regulatory requirements, and local practices that affect day-to-day business decisions. This local perspective helps clients avoid compliance pitfalls that may differ from other jurisdictions.We also monitor changes to state law and guidance that could impact clients’ operations, and we recommend adjustments to policies and contracts when needed. Regular compliance reviews ensure businesses remain aligned with evolving legal requirements and local enforcement trends.
Attorney-client privilege is maintained through careful handling of communications and documentation. We advise clients on how to label and restrict distribution of privileged materials and establish internal protocols for sharing sensitive information. Keeping privilege intact requires deliberate practices regarding who is included on communications and how documents are stored.We also implement confidentiality measures in engagement letters and maintain secure systems for client communications. When outside parties are involved or when information must be shared broadly, we provide guidance on preserving privilege while meeting operational needs so confidential legal strategy remains protected.
If a matter requires litigation, outside counsel will assess the situation, advise on options, and coordinate with trial counsel when necessary. We manage the transition to litigation by preserving records, aligning strategy with business objectives, and ensuring privileged communications remain protected. Our role includes guiding settlement discussions and recommending litigation counsel if specialized trial representation is required.Coordination is focused on minimizing disruption to the business and delivering a cohesive legal strategy. By maintaining involvement, outside counsel helps the client make informed decisions about litigation posture, potential settlement outcomes, and resource allocation throughout the dispute resolution process.
Deciding between in-house and outside counsel involves assessing the volume and frequency of legal work, budget constraints, and the need for immediate, on-site legal presence. In-house counsel can be beneficial when legal matters are constant and require daily attention. Outside counsel often provides greater flexibility, predictable cost models, and access to a team with diverse transactional experience without the overhead of a full-time hire.Many companies find a hybrid approach effective: retaining outside counsel for day-to-day needs while engaging in-house resources for high-level management or internal coordination. The right choice depends on the company’s growth stage, complexity of legal matters, and financial priorities.
Outside counsel can assist with fundraising and investor agreements by preparing or reviewing term sheets, subscription agreements, and investor protections. We help ensure that agreements reflect the company’s priorities, protect governance rights, and address dilution and exit planning. Counsel also coordinates due diligence processes and advises on disclosure obligations to prospective investors.By working with outside counsel during fundraising, companies improve the clarity of investor documents and reduce negotiation friction. This support helps founders focus on business strategy while ensuring legal terms align with long-term goals and regulatory requirements.
Setting up a retainer or monthly arrangement begins with a consultation to identify recurring needs and budget expectations. We propose engagement options such as a monthly retainer covering a set number of hours, a capped-fee arrangement for routine services, or a hybrid plan that combines retainer access with affordable hourly rates for unexpected matters. The engagement letter formalizes scope, billing, and termination terms.During onboarding, we establish communication protocols, assign primary contacts, and prioritize initial tasks such as reviewing templates and policies. This setup ensures clients receive predictable service and swift support while allowing adjustments to the arrangement as business needs evolve.