Outside General Counsel for California Businesses

The legal guidance of a general counsel, without the overhead of a full-time hire. Practical, responsive advice from an attorney who understands how businesses actually operate.

You Didn't Start a Business to Worry About Legal Problems

You started it to build something. To serve customers. To create opportunity. But legal questions keep coming up, and they don't wait for a convenient time.

A vendor contract lands on your desk with terms you're not sure about. An employee situation gets complicated. A customer dispute escalates. You need someone to call, not a 48-hour turnaround from a firm that treats you like a file number.

That's what outside general counsel is: a trusted attorney who knows your business, picks up the phone, and helps you make smart decisions before small problems become expensive ones.

How It Works

We start with a conversation about your business: what you do, where you're headed, and what keeps you up at night. From there, we set up a simple monthly arrangement so you always have counsel available when you need it. Predictable cost, direct access, no surprises.

Think of it as having a legal department of one, on call, without the six-figure salary.

What I Handle for My Clients

Contracts and Agreements: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating vendor contracts, customer agreements, NDAs, and partnership terms so you sign with confidence.

Business Disputes: When a deal goes sideways or a partner relationship breaks down, I step in early to resolve it or, if necessary, litigate it.

Employment Questions: Hiring, firing, independent contractor classification, handbook policies. I help you stay compliant and avoid the landmines.

Entity and Compliance: LLC formation, corporate governance, annual compliance, operating agreements. Keeping your business properly structured.

Risk Management: Identifying legal exposure before it becomes a problem. Insurance reviews, liability assessments, and proactive planning.

Regulatory and ADA: Navigating ADA compliance, licensing, and industry-specific regulations so you can focus on running your business.

"Scott is an intelligent, diligent attorney who takes the time to discuss the pros and cons of each approach to a legal problem. He is a very good listener and cares about his clients."

— Client Review

Who This Is For

I work with small and mid-sized California businesses, typically companies with 5 to 100 employees, that have outgrown DIY legal solutions but aren't ready (or don't need) a full-time in-house attorney.

My clients include professional services firms, restaurants and hospitality businesses, tech startups, real estate investors, medical and dental practices, retail and e-commerce businesses, and construction companies. What they share in common: they want an attorney who understands business, not just law.

Why Work With Me

Over 25 years in business law, and I've been on both sides of the table. I've counseled businesses through growth, disputes, transactions, and litigation. I know when to fight, when to settle, and when to pick up the phone and make a problem disappear before it starts.

I return calls the same day. I explain things in plain English. And I care about seeing my clients succeed, because when your business thrives, so does our relationship.

Let's Talk About Your Business

Schedule a free 15-minute call to discuss your situation and see if outside general counsel is the right fit.