In-House Counsel. Without the In-House Cost.
The strategic legal partnership of an in-house attorney, at a fraction of the cost. Built for founders who need ongoing support, not one-off transactions.
Hiring a full-time in-house attorney costs $200,000+ per year before benefits. Calling outside counsel every time a legal question comes up is slow, expensive, and reactive.
Fractional In-House Counsel is a different model — one built for how fast-moving businesses actually operate.
As your Fractional General Counsel, Ipanema Law becomes a legal partner embedded in your business. We're available when you need us, understand your business deeply, and provide the kind of proactive legal advice that prevents problems before they become crises.
This isn't a retainer where you're watching the clock. It's a relationship built to protect and grow your business over time.
What's Included
Dedicated legal point of contact for your business
Ongoing contract drafting, review, and negotiation
IP strategy and portfolio management
Employment and contractor compliance
Vendor and partnership agreements
Regulatory and compliance guidance
Legal review of business decisions and new initiatives
Priority response and availability
Quarterly legal audits and strategic reviews
Who This Is For
Growing businesses that need consistent legal support but aren't ready for a full-time hire
Founders who are tired of reactive, transactional legal relationships
Companies entering new markets, launching new products, or scaling operations
Businesses that want a lawyer who actually knows their business, not one who has to be briefed from scratch every time
FAQ: Fractional In-House Counsel
Q: What's the difference between fractional counsel and just having a lawyer on retainer? A: A traditional retainer means you've prepaid for a set number of hours with outside counsel — you're still the client of a law firm, and the relationship is transactional. Fractional In-House Counsel means we function as part of your team. We learn your business, your goals, and your risk tolerance, and we provide proactive guidance rather than reactive help when problems arise.
Q: How much does it cost? A: Fractional counsel is structured as a monthly engagement, priced based on the scope of your needs. It's significantly less than hiring a full-time attorney, and more cost-effective than paying hourly outside counsel rates for ongoing work. We'll discuss your needs and provide a transparent proposal.
Q: What kinds of businesses benefit most from this model? A: Businesses in a growth phase — those signing more contracts, bringing on more contractors or employees, entering new partnerships, or launching new offerings — benefit most. If you regularly need legal review and counsel, a fractional model is almost always more efficient and cost-effective than hourly outside counsel.
Q: Can I still use you for one-off matters if I'm not on a fractional plan? A: Yes. Our other service areas — entity formation, IP, and contracts — are available as standalone engagements. Fractional counsel is for clients who want an ongoing, embedded relationship.
Q: How quickly can you turn around contracts and legal questions? A: Fractional clients receive priority response. For most matters, you can expect a response within one business day. For urgent matters, we're accessible. Part of the value is that you're not waiting days for a callback from someone who doesn't know your business.
Q: What if my legal needs change or grow? A: We build the engagement to scale with you. As your business grows and your legal needs evolve, we adjust the scope accordingly. You're not locked into a rigid structure — the whole point is to be a flexible, long-term partner.