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Burns & Co. Group

Burns & Co. GC — Blog

Fractional GC vs Traditional Law Firms: What's the Difference?

Both provide lawyers. But the relationship, the incentives and the outcomes are very different.

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Why Fractional·5 min read

Instructed, or embedded

A traditional law firm responds to matters you bring it. It knows the transaction in front of it, but not necessarily your business, your strategy or your appetite for risk. You instruct, it advises, and the relationship ends when the matter closes.

A fractional general counsel becomes part of your team. We know your business deeply, understand your priorities, and take ownership of legal risk across the whole picture — not just the matter du jour.

Hourly rates vs predictable fees

Law firms typically bill by the hour, which can make costs unpredictable and discourage early engagement. A fractional GC works to a retained package, so the incentive is to prevent problems and add value, not to clock hours.

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A short, no-obligation conversation is the best way to see whether a fractional general counsel is right for you. Book an appointment and we'll talk through your situation, your risks, and what good legal leadership would look like for your business.