Your Strategic Legal Partner

Fractional
General Counsel,
without the overhead.

Fractional General Counsel for startups, companies, and nonprofits in Seattle and New York. Big-firm rigor, delivered on a monthly retainer.

CounselRaphael Gil, Esq.
EducationFordham Law, JD · St. John's University, BS
AdmittedNew York · Washington
Based inSeattle, WA · Serving clients nationwide
Raphael Gil, Esq., business lawyer and Fractional General Counsel, Seattle and New York Esq.
Legal support that feels like relief, not a burden. Raphael Gil is a business lawyer and founder of Gil Esq PLLC, working directly with founders and leadership teams to manage risk, oversee contracts, and build legal infrastructure that scales.
Book a Consultation Send a Message What is a Fractional GC?
425-610-9197 raphael@gil-esq.com Seattle, WA & New York, NY

Fractional General Counsel

Also called outside general counsel: a senior business lawyer who serves as your dedicated legal partner on a part-time or retainer basis, giving your organization big-firm legal strategy without the cost of a full-time hire. Early-stage companies more often start with discrete, scoped projects; the retainer is a later step, not a prerequisite.

Rigor Meets Function

Big-firm legal training applied with practical business sense — no unnecessary complexity.

Tech-Enabled Efficiency

We leverage technology, process, and data to reduce legal spend and create value.

Human Centered

A relationship-driven style — deeply aligned with your goals and integrated into your team.

Schedule a Consultation Do you need one yet? Counsel as a force multiplier

How Raphael can help

Twenty areas of practice across company and nonprofit work — from formation through strategic transactions.
Select your entity type to highlight relevant services
Investor Advisory
Guidance on investor relations, term sheets, and capital strategy.
Equity Planning
Structuring equity, option pools, and compensation frameworks.
Fundraising Guidance
Supporting rounds from seed through growth with legal clarity.
Nonprofit Governance
Board structure, bylaws, and fiduciary best practices.
Grant & Compliance
Navigating grant requirements and regulatory obligations.
Commercial Negotiations
Structuring and closing commercial deals that protect your interests.
Vendor & Customer Contracts
Drafting and reviewing agreements that keep operations moving.
SaaS & Licensing
End-to-end support for software and IP licensing agreements.
Strategic Transactions
M&A, partnerships, and complex deal structuring support.
Privacy & Data Protection
GDPR, CCPA, and data governance frameworks tailored to your org.
Regulatory Advisory
Keeping you ahead of compliance obligations across industries.
Advertising & Marketing Review
Ensuring campaigns and messaging meet legal standards.
Legal Workflow Modernization
Building smarter, faster legal processes through tech and systems.
Cybersecurity Standards
Aligning your organization with leading security frameworks.
Formation & Incorporation
Setting up the right legal structure from day one.
Governance Structure
Designing accountability and oversight frameworks that scale.
General Business Counsel
Day-to-day counsel for whatever comes up, on a monthly retainer.
Internal Investigations
Independent, objective review of sensitive corporate matters.
Employment & Workforce
Employment agreements, handbooks, classification, and separations.
Corporate Compliance
Compliance programs, risk assessments, and regulatory response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about working with Raphael and Gil Esq PLLC as your Fractional General Counsel.
What is a Fractional General Counsel? +
A Fractional General Counsel is a senior business lawyer who provides ongoing legal counsel on a part-time or retainer basis. Unlike outside counsel who bills hourly, a Fractional GC is embedded in your business — proactively managing legal risk, reviewing contracts, and advising leadership as a true strategic partner.
Who needs a Fractional GC? +
Businesses and nonprofits that need consistent legal guidance but aren't ready for a full-time in-house attorney. Especially valuable for startups, SaaS companies, and growing organizations in Seattle and New York navigating contracts, compliance, and regulatory complexity.
How is a Fractional GC different from a regular business attorney? +
A traditional business attorney handles specific legal matters when you call them. A Fractional GC is proactive — they know your business, anticipate legal risks before they become problems, and act as a true strategic partner to your leadership team.
Does Gil Esq PLLC offer Fractional GC services in Seattle? +
Yes. Gil Esq PLLC serves businesses and nonprofits in Seattle, greater Washington State, and New York — with remote counsel available nationally.
What does a Fractional General Counsel cost? +
Fractional GC engagements are typically structured as a monthly retainer, making legal costs predictable and eliminating surprise invoices. Gil Esq PLLC offers flexible engagement models tailored to the size and needs of your organization. Contact us to discuss options.
Is a Fractional General Counsel the same as outside general counsel? +
In practice, yes. Outside general counsel, fractional general counsel and part-time general counsel all describe the same arrangement: a senior lawyer who takes on the general counsel role for an organization that does not employ one full time. The label varies by industry and by who is doing the hiring; the work is the same.

Let's talk about your business.

Schedule a consultation to discuss how Raphael can support your business or nonprofit as your Fractional General Counsel or business lawyer in Seattle and New York.
Phone425-610-9197
Emailraphael@gil-esq.com
LocationBased in Seattle, WAServing Washington & New York
ConsultationFree initial callTypically 30 minutes

Gil Esq PLLC is a boutique business law firm offering Fractional General Counsel (Fractional GC) services, business legal counsel, contract negotiation, data privacy compliance, and regulatory guidance to clients in Seattle, Washington and New York. Founded by Raphael Gil, Esq. — admitted to practice in New York and Washington — the firm brings big-firm rigor with a practical, human-centered approach. To schedule a consultation visit gil-esq.com or call 425-610-9197.