outside general counsel

Outside General Counsel Legal Services in Houston, Texas

My Business is to Know Yours

I provide outside general counsel legal services to business of all sizes. An outside general counsel (sometimes called a fractional counsel) acts as a trusted business advisor on various legal matters, including contract negotiation, risk management, and oversight of critical business processes.

What to Expect from My Outside General Counsel Legal Services

From the startup corridors of East Downtown and the Ion District to the industrial hubs along the Beltway, Harris County is home to a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and innovators. No matter if you’re scaling a SaaS company, running a design-build firm, or managing a family-owned logistics operation, legal issues inevitably surface—and few small businesses have the resources or need for a full-time in-house lawyer. And even larger businesses with full-time legal support often need additional help. That’s where outside general counsel legal services come in.

As your outside general counsel, I will learn the ins and outs of your business and provide you tailored legal services to support your operations. My goal is to be one of your strategic partners, providing you with the legal insights you need to seize opportunities and navigate roadblocks. I will manage your legal interests, including threats and claims made against you, to allow you to focus on the growth and success of your business.

The outside general counsel or “fractional counsel” model is rapidly gaining traction across Texas and the rest of the United States, particularly among small and mid-sized businesses. This model offers predictable cost structures, better alignment with business strategy, and flexibility that traditional firms often can’t provide.

In Houston, where industries from renewable energy and advanced manufacturing to med-tech startups, to real estate, commercial, and industrial development are thriving, the need for agile legal support is especially acute. Businesses are navigating rapid growth, complex partnerships, and changing regulatory landscapes. As your outside general counsel, I bring legal foresight to your business decisions and help you stay ahead of potential liabilities—whether it’s reviewing a construction subcontract, advising on a tech licensing deal, developing an insurance program, or managing employment risks.

My approach is practical, personal, and rooted in local business realities. I understand the pressures small business owners face and tailor legal strategies that align with your operations—not the other way around. With deep ties to the Houston business community and experience across contracts, claims, and compliance, I offer more than legal advice—I offer peace of mind.

Each business has unique demands, so I will collaborate with you to develop a pricing solution that fits your budget and your needs.

Local Business Resources in Houston

 FAQs

  • An outside general counsel serves as a part-time or fractional legal advisor for growing businesses that don’t need a full-time, in-house lawyer. In Texas, this typically includes reviewing and negotiating contracts, advising on compliance, managing risk, handling employee issues, and helping prevent costly litigation.

  • Businesses often hire outside general counsel when they begin facing recurring legal questions, entering into more complex contracts, managing insurance portfolios, hiring employees, or preparing for growth or investment. If you’re spending time trying to “figure out the legal part” on your own, it might be time to bring in help.

  • Outside general counsel services are typically billed on a monthly flat-fee or hourly basis, depending on your company’s size and legal needs. At Elkhoury Law, I offer flexible pricing tailored to Texas businesses, with clear upfront terms. I am happy to provide cost-certainty and peace of mind.

  • I can draft and negotiate all kinds of commercial contracts for my outside GC clients, including:

    I also help revise or adapt your contract templates to better reflect your business practices and reduce risk.

  • Absolutely. While I don’t offer full-service employment law, I advise Texas businesses on hiring best practices, offer letter terms, equity incentive plans, NDAs, non-compete agreements, and how to handle disputes or terminations to reduce exposure.

  • I’ve worked with clients across a wide range of industries in Houston and Southeast Texas, including:

    • Construction and engineering

    • Energy

    • Manufacturing and logistics

    • Medical and medical service

    • Professional services (CPAs, designers, architects)

    • Real estate and development

    • Technology and startups

    I tailor my legal support to your industry’s needs.

  • Unlike traditional firms that charge by the hour for every question, outside general counsel works more like a strategic partner—focusing on proactive legal guidance to support your business long-term. I aim to provide continuity, faster response times, and better cost control.

  • Typically, yes. If your business is sued or needs to file a lawsuit, I’ll either handle it directly under a separate litigation engagement or bring in trusted litigation counsel. As your outside GC, I will stay involved to ensure your interests are protected and your business strategy is reflected in the legal process.

  • Of course. I can complement existing legal teams—whether it’s working alongside your internal legal staff, corporate counsel, or other trusted outside counsel. For smaller companies, I can act as your primary point of contact for all legal issues.

Contact a Houston Outside General Counsel

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