Introducing Fractional General Counsel Services: Executive Legal Leadership for Growing Companies
Today, I’m excited to announce the launch of a new service offering that directly addresses a critical need I’ve observed among Florida’s growing technology and transportation companies: access to sophisticated in-house legal guidance without the significant investment of a full-time general counsel.
Bridging the Legal Leadership Gap
Over the past several years, I’ve had numerous conversations with founders and executives who share a common challenge. Their businesses have outgrown simple legal solutions, yet they’re not quite ready for a full-time general counsel. They need strategic legal leadership that understands their industry, can navigate complex regulatory environments, and supports their growth objectives—all while maintaining budget predictability.
These conversations revealed a clear gap in the market: growing companies need more than occasional advice from outside counsel but aren’t ready to invest in a full legal department. This realization, coupled with my experience leading legal strategy for major Florida agencies, inspired the development of our Fractional General Counsel service.
What Makes Our Approach Different
Having served as General Counsel of the Florida Department of Transportation and Chief of Staff of the Department of Management Services, I’ve directed legal strategy for a $12 billion transportation program and managed complex technology initiatives including Florida’s $150 million State Data Center outsourcing. This experience provides a unique perspective that shapes our fractional counsel approach in three distinct ways:
1. We understand both sides of the table.
Unlike many attorneys who have only practiced in law firms, I’ve led in-house legal departments and worked directly with executive leadership on business strategy. This dual perspective allows me to provide counsel that integrates legal considerations with business objectives, rather than treating them as separate concerns.
2. We bring industry-specific expertise.
Technology and transportation companies face unique regulatory challenges and operational realities. Our practice leverages deep experience in these sectors, allowing us to provide guidance that addresses your specific industry context rather than generic legal advice.
3. We focus on practical implementation.
Legal advice is only valuable when it can be effectively implemented. Our approach emphasizes practical solutions calibrated to your company’s resources and growth stage, ensuring that legal strategy advances your business rather than becoming an administrative burden.
When Fractional General Counsel Makes Sense
This service is particularly valuable for companies in several specific situations:
Growth inflection points
Companies experiencing rapid growth often encounter new legal challenges—from more complex contracts to regulatory thresholds to intellectual property concerns. A fractional GC provides the sophisticated guidance needed during these transitions without committing to a full-time position.
Specialized industry navigation
Technology and transportation companies operate in complex regulatory environments that require specialized knowledge. Our experience in these sectors provides targeted expertise when you need it most.
Budget predictability with executive-level guidance
Our fractional model offers access to sophisticated legal leadership with predictable costs, allowing for more effective financial planning than the traditional billable hour approach.
Preparation for significant transactions
Companies preparing for major transitions—whether funding rounds, acquisitions, or new market entry—benefit from experienced counsel familiar with their operations without the permanent overhead.
Core Service Areas
Our Fractional General Counsel services span the full spectrum of in-house legal responsibilities, with particular emphasis on areas where we bring specialized expertise:
- Regulatory compliance and government relations for technology and transportation companies
- Contract management systems designed to scale with your growth
- Privacy and data protection strategies leveraging CIPP/US certification
- Corporate governance and structural optimization
- Intellectual property protection aligned with business strategy
- Employment practices that mitigate risk while supporting company culture
- Government procurement strategy and compliance
A Personal Note
Throughout my career, I’ve found the most satisfaction in helping organizations navigate complex legal landscapes while achieving their business objectives. As General Counsel at FDOT, I saw firsthand how effective legal leadership can enable innovation rather than hinder it—a perspective I’m excited to bring to growing companies through this new service.
The fractional model allows me to form deeper relationships with clients than traditional outside counsel arrangements, truly integrating with your team while providing the flexibility that growing businesses need. It’s a model that benefits both clients and our practice, creating partnerships focused on long-term success rather than billable increments.
Learn More
If you’re interested in exploring how Fractional General Counsel services might benefit your organization, I invite you to visit our detailed service page or contact me directly to discuss your specific needs. We offer flexible engagement options designed to align with your business objectives and growth stage.
I look forward to helping your company navigate legal challenges while focusing on what matters most—building your business.
Sean Gellis is a Board Certified specialist in State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US). Through Gellis Law, PLLC, he provides strategic counsel on technology, transportation, and regulatory matters, drawing on his experience as former General Counsel of the Florida Department of Transportation and Chief of Staff of the Department of Management Services.