General Counsel Hiring: When and How to Bring Legal Expertise In-House

As companies grow, legal complexities increase, making the role of a General Counsel critical. Whether navigating regulatory compliance, handling M&A, or protecting intellectual property, an in-house legal expert can save companies from costly mistakes and operational inefficiencies.

When Should You Hire a General Counsel?

• Rising Legal Costs – Spending over $500K per year on outside counsel.

• High Deal Volume – Frequent financings, partnerships, or M&A deals.

• Regulatory Risk – Increasing compliance needs (e.g., data privacy, SEC filings).

• Growth Milestones – Most companies hire a GC between Series B and Series D funding.

Key Qualities of a Strong GC

• Corporate & Securities Law Expertise – Ability to manage financings and governance.

• Contract Negotiation – Skilled in vendor, partner, and customer agreements.

• Business & Leadership Acumen – Aligns legal strategy with company growth.

• M&A and IPO Readiness – Guides companies through high-stakes transactions.

  
  

Hiring a General Counsel: Steps to Success

1. Define the Role – Identify your company’s legal priorities.

2. Build a Pipeline – Use referrals, recruiters, and direct outreach.

3. Assess Business Acumen – Ensure legal decisions align with revenue growth.

4. Make a Competitive Offer – Balance salary, bonus, and equity incentives.

5. Onboard Effectively – Provide a clear roadmap for integrating legal strategy.

Final Thoughts

Bringing legal expertise in-house is a strategic investment that improves efficiency, mitigates risk, and provides long-term cost savings. If your company is scaling, now may be the time to hire a General Counsel to support growth and safeguard your business.