Fractional General Counsel

Fractional General Counsel / Outside General Counsel

Position Details

• Industry: Industrial Manufacturing / Engineered Equipment
• Engagement: Fractional (Part-Time)
• Expected availability: Approximately 1–2 days per week equivalent
• Reports directly to the Company President
• Remote

Overview

We are seeking a Fractional General Counsel to serve as the company's primary legal advisor. The role will focus primarily on reviewing, redlining, and negotiating commercial contracts, particularly agreements related to engineered equipment supply and industrial project delivery, while also providing legal support across key operational areas including supply chain and vendor agreements, insurance matters, employment issues, real estate matters, and coordination with outside counsel.

Company leadership is experienced in negotiating commercial agreements and understands the key legal and commercial risks involved. The goal of this role is to ensure negotiations are handled efficiently and consistently as the business continues to grow.

The company operates in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment and values legal advice that supports efficient decision-making while appropriately managing risk.

The company views the legal function as a practical business partner. The Fractional General Counsel will be expected to provide clear, direct guidance that helps leadership move forward confidently while managing material legal risk. The role is intended to function as a trusted advisor to the President and leadership team, not simply a contract review function.

Role in the Organization

The Fractional General Counsel reports directly to the Company President and serves as the company's primary legal advisor.

The position works closely with company leadership and sales management to support efficient business operations while managing material legal risk.

Responsibilities

Commercial contracts are the primary focus of the role. The Fractional General Counsel will review, redline, and negotiate customer, supplier, and vendor agreements, frequently beginning with customer-provided contract forms. The role will advise company leadership on key provisions including liability limitations, indemnification, warranties, insurance requirements, payment terms, and termination provisions, and will apply the company's Contract Clause Requirements using practical negotiation guidelines and fallback positions.

The role will also advise leadership on employment and workplace matters, including employment agreements, workplace issues, and compliance matters. Assistance with employee disputes, claims, or potential litigation may be required, with coordination through outside employment counsel when necessary.

Support will also be provided to procurement and operations on supplier contracts and supply chain matters.

The Fractional General Counsel will assist with management of the company's insurance program, ensuring alignment between insurance coverage and contractual risk allocation.

Additional responsibilities include review of facility leases, land purchases, and construction agreements, as well as coordination with outside counsel for litigation, tax matters, regulatory issues, or other specialized legal needs.

Operating Approach

Much of the company's legal work involves day-to-day contract "blocking and tackling." Company leadership understands the commercial and legal issues involved but should not be spending time redlining agreements.

We value direct, practical legal advice. The successful candidate will focus on material legal risks and practical solutions rather than over-engineering legal positions that unnecessarily slow business operations.

First 90 Days Priorities

During the first 90 days the Fractional General Counsel will:

• Take ownership of commercial contract review and negotiation

• Review the company's Contract Clause Requirements and develop practical negotiation guidelines and fallback positions

• Evaluate alignment between contract terms and insurance coverage

• Review all company insurance policies and renewal timelines and develop a forward plan for insurance coverage and risk management

• Review existing legal matters currently handled by outside counsel and assume responsibility as the company's liaison

• Take over legal review and negotiation of real estate purchases, leases, and related agreements currently in progress

• Review the company's contract approval authority and governance structure to ensure clear and efficient decision-making

Preferred Background

Experience advising companies in industrial manufacturing, engineering or equipment supply, construction or infrastructure, or energy or industrial services is preferred.

Candidates should have well-rounded experience advising mid-sized operating companies on the types of matters commonly encountered by manufacturing businesses, including commercial contracts, insurance matters, employment issues, real estate transactions, and coordination with outside counsel.

Familiarity with contracts used in industrial equipment supply, engineered-to-order manufacturing, or EPC-style project environments is highly desirable.

Experience advising companies in manufacturing or industrial work environments, including familiarity with workplace safety, OSHA considerations, and employee disputes, is a plus.

Engagement Structure

Typical engagement is approximately one to two days per week.

Compensation will be structured as a monthly retainer or fractional hourly basis depending on the scope of the engagement.

Requirements

• JD required
• 5-10 years of experience