Fractional General Counsel Services

Strategic Legal Leadership Without the Full-Time Investment

Today’s innovative technology and transportation companies face increasingly complex legal landscapes that demand sophisticated counsel—yet many aren’t ready for the significant investment of a full-time general counsel. Our Fractional General Counsel service bridges this gap, delivering executive-level legal strategy precisely calibrated to your business needs and growth stage.

By partnering with Gellis Law, you gain access to the strategic insight of experienced in-house counsel without the overhead of a traditional legal department. We become an integrated extension of your leadership team, providing the perfect balance of accessibility, specialized expertise, and cost-efficiency.

Experience That Transforms Legal Challenges into Strategic Advantages

Our Fractional General Counsel practice is built on a foundation of high-level experience that few firms can match. Drawing on his tenure as General Counsel of the Florida Department of Transportation and Chief of Staff of the Department of Management Services, Sean Gellis brings unique insight to your legal challenges that goes beyond theoretical knowledge to practical implementation.

Having directed legal strategy for a $12 billion transportation program, managed complex technology initiatives including Florida’s $150 million State Data Center outsourcing, and guided agencies through high-stakes regulatory matters, we understand both the operational realities and compliance requirements your business faces. This dual perspective allows us to provide counsel that not only addresses immediate legal needs but also advances your broader business objectives.

Comprehensive Legal Support Tailored to Growth-Stage Companies

Strategic Legal Planning & Risk Management

• Developing proactive legal strategies aligned with your business goals and growth trajectory
• Conducting comprehensive legal risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities before they become liabilities
• Creating customized compliance frameworks that protect your business without impeding innovation
• Establishing legal department processes and protocols scaled to your current needs with room to evolve

Contracts & Commercial Transactions

• Designing and implementing contract management systems that scale with your business
• Negotiating and reviewing vendor, customer, and partner agreements with business objectives in mind
• Developing standardized contract templates that protect your interests while facilitating rapid growth
• Managing complex commercial transactions from term sheet to closing

Regulatory Navigation & Compliance

• Interpreting complex regulatory requirements specific to technology and transportation sectors
• Developing practical compliance programs that mitigate risk without excessive bureaucracy
• Conducting regulatory audits to identify potential issues before they attract enforcement attention
• Creating regulatory strategy for new product launches or market expansions

Corporate Governance & Structure

• Advising on optimal corporate structure as your business evolves
• Developing board and management protocols that enhance decision-making
• Creating and implementing internal policies designed for your specific operational needs
• Ensuring corporate records and documentation remain current and compliant

Privacy & Data Protection

• Leveraging CIPP/US certification to develop privacy frameworks tailored to your data practices
• Creating data management policies that balance compliance with operational efficiency
• Developing incident response protocols to address potential breaches
• Navigating the complex intersection of technology innovation and privacy requirements

Intellectual Property Strategy

• Developing comprehensive IP protection strategies for your innovations
• Structuring technology licensing agreements that maximize value
• Creating policies to identify and secure IP assets created within your organization
• Aligning IP strategy with broader business objectives and growth plans

Human Resources & Employment

• Guiding employment practices that mitigate risk while supporting company culture
• Developing personnel policies that reflect current legal requirements
• Managing workplace investigations with appropriate sensitivity and thoroughness
• Providing practical guidance on complex employment decisions

Government Relations & Public Sector Opportunities

• Navigating complex government procurement processes with insider knowledge
• Developing strategies to engage productively with regulatory bodies
• Identifying potential partnership opportunities with government entities
• Managing compliance with public sector contract requirements

The Gellis Law Advantage: Not Just Any Fractional Counsel

Our Fractional General Counsel practice stands apart through a distinctive combination of qualities that deliver exceptional value:

Industry-Specific Expertise

Unlike generalist attorneys or traditional law firms, we bring deep understanding of technology and transportation sectors—including their unique regulatory challenges, operational realities, and growth patterns. This specialized knowledge allows us to provide targeted advice that addresses your specific industry context.

Executive Agency Leadership Experience

Having served in senior leadership roles within major Florida agencies, we offer insider perspective on government operations and decision-making processes. This experience proves invaluable when navigating regulatory matters, pursuing government contracts, or managing agency relationships.

Board Certified Specialization

As a Board Certified specialist in State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice—a distinction held by fewer than 75 Florida attorneys—Sean Gellis brings recognized expertise to matters involving government regulation, procurement, and compliance.

Privacy Certification

With Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) credentials, we offer sophisticated guidance on increasingly critical data protection and privacy matters—particularly valuable for technology companies handling sensitive information.

Business-Focused Approach

Our counsel seamlessly integrates legal considerations with business objectives, focusing on practical solutions rather than theoretical legal analysis. We view legal strategy as a business enabler, not just a risk management function.

Predictable Cost Structure

We’ve designed our service model specifically for growing companies, with transparent fee structures that provide budget certainty while delivering sophisticated legal guidance.

Flexible Engagement Models Tailored to Your Needs

We recognize that every company has unique legal needs based on growth stage, industry focus, and business model. Our fractional general counsel services offer flexible engagement options designed to align with your specific requirements:

Comprehensive Monthly Retainer

• Regular access to sophisticated legal counsel for a fixed monthly investment
• Planned strategic sessions with leadership team and key stakeholders
• Proactive identification and management of legal issues
• Priority response for time-sensitive matters
• Regular reporting on legal department activities and risk management
• Scalable service levels that evolve with your growth

Strategic Advisory Relationship

• Ongoing counsel focused on high-level legal strategy and risk management
• Regular but less frequent engagement with leadership team
• Framework development for handling routine legal matters
• Guidance for managing outside counsel relationships efficiently

Project-Based Implementation

• Targeted legal support for specific initiatives or challenges
• Defined scope and deliverables with predictable investment
• Comprehensive implementation of systems, policies, or compliance programs
• Knowledge transfer to ensure sustainable results after project completion

Transition Support

• Interim general counsel services during leadership transitions
• Temporary support during periods of rapid growth or special projects
• Development of internal legal department structure and protocols
• Recruitment assistance for permanent legal staff when appropriate

Is Fractional General Counsel Right for Your Company?

Our fractional services have proven particularly valuable for:

Technology Companies

• Software and SaaS providers navigating complex licensing, privacy, and intellectual property matters
• FinTech innovators balancing rapid development with regulatory compliance requirements
• Data-driven enterprises managing privacy obligations across multiple jurisdictions
• Technology service providers to government entities navigating complex procurement processes

Transportation & Infrastructure Organizations

• Logistics and mobility companies managing complex regulatory requirements
• Infrastructure developers navigating government approvals and environmental compliance
• Transportation technology innovators disrupting traditional service models
• Government contractors managing complex procurement and compliance obligations

Growth-Stage Businesses

• Companies that have outgrown basic legal support but aren’t ready for full-time in-house counsel
• Organizations experiencing rapid expansion that creates new legal challenges
• Businesses entering new markets with unfamiliar regulatory requirements
• Companies preparing for significant transactions or funding rounds

How the Fractional GC Relationship Works: A Practical Framework

Establishing an effective Fractional General Counsel relationship begins with understanding your business and designing a customized approach:

1. Initial Consultation & Assessment
   
   • Comprehensive evaluation of current legal posture and needs
   • Review of existing contracts, policies, and compliance programs
   • Identification of immediate priorities and longer-term objectives
   • Discussion of operational preferences and communication style
2. Strategic Planning & Roadmap Development
   
   • Creation of tailored legal strategy aligned with business goals
   • Prioritization of legal initiatives based on risk profile and resources
   • Development of practical implementation timeline
   • Establishment of success metrics and reporting framework
3. Implementation & Integration
   
   • Systematic execution of prioritized legal initiatives
   • Integration with existing leadership team and processes
   • Development of efficient communication protocols
   • Knowledge transfer to ensure organizational understanding
4. Ongoing Support & Evolution
   
   • Regular strategic reviews and adjustment of priorities
   • Proactive identification of emerging legal considerations
   • Scaling of services to match business growth
   • Continuous improvement of legal operations

Contact Us to Explore Fractional General Counsel Services

Discover how our Fractional General Counsel services can provide your business with sophisticated legal leadership while optimizing your investment in legal services. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your specific needs and how our experience can support your business objectives.