Outsourced General Counsel for Professional Services and Agencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions we hear from creative agencies and professional services firms in Naperville, the Chicago suburbs, and across Illinois that are evaluating outsourced general counsel (OGC) support.
How Retainer Counsel Works
Outsourced General Counsel provides ongoing legal support integrated into your business, rather than handling isolated matters as they arise. Creative agencies often rely on retainer counsel for recurring contract review, employment guidance, and IP questions instead of engaging a different lawyer for each issue. This model is designed to provide continuity, context, and predictable access to counsel as your business operates and grows. Schedule a call to discuss whether retainer counsel fits your team structure.
Retainer pricing is based on the size of your business, complexity of legal needs, and anticipated monthly workload. For example, a 15-person agency with frequent contract negotiations will require different support than a professional services firm with fewer clients but more employment issues. Each retainer includes defined scope and usage parameters so expectations are clear on both sides. We review needs during an initial call to recommend an appropriate level of support.
Monthly retainers typically cover contract drafting and review, employment and compliance questions, intellectual property guidance, and leadership-level legal advice. Agencies often use retainers for ongoing MSA and SOW negotiations, contractor agreements, and day-to-day employment questions. The goal is to address legal issues as they arise, rather than waiting until they escalate into larger problems. We outline covered services clearly during onboarding.
Our practice is primarily focused on retainer relationships, though limited project work may be available depending on fit and capacity. One-off engagements often lack the broader context needed to provide effective ongoing legal guidance for agencies. Retainers are designed to support businesses with recurring legal needs who benefit from continuity and familiarity with their operations. If you’re unsure which model fits, we can discuss options during an initial conversation.
Our practice is primarily focused on retainer relationships, though limited project work may be available depending on fit and capacity. One-off engagements often lack the broader context needed to provide effective ongoing legal guidance for companies. Retainers are designed to support businesses with recurring legal needs who benefit from continuity and familiarity with their operations. If you’re unsure which model fits, we can discuss options during an initial conversation.
Creative Agency & Professional Services
We handle drafting, reviewing, and negotiating client and vendor contracts, including MSAs, SOWs, NDAs, and amendments. Marketing agencies frequently ask us to address scope clarity, pricing terms, indemnification, and ownership provisions. This work is done as part of an ongoing retainer so contracts stay aligned with how services are delivered over time. You can review our Contracts & Commercial Agreements practice area for more detail.
We advise on employment agreements, contractor relationships, handbooks, and workplace policies under Illinois employment law. Agencies often consult us before hiring, reclassifying roles, or handling performance and termination issues. Having counsel available on retainer typically helps leadership address people issues earlier and more consistently. Learn more on our Employment & Workforce Compliance page or schedule a call to discuss your workforce structure.
Ownership of work product, licensing scope, and contributor agreements are the most common IP concerns for creative agencies. Problems often arise when contracts assume ownership without clearly stating it or when freelancers retain rights unintentionally. We address these issues through contract language and internal policies rather than reactive enforcement. Our Intellectual Property & Content Protection practice explains this approach in more detail.
Yes, we regularly work with agencies and professional services firms operating remotely or in hybrid environments throughout Illinois. Employment compliance, contractor classification, and policy consistency are common concerns for distributed teams. Our advice takes into account Illinois-specific requirements while supporting flexible work structures. We routinely serve clients in Naperville, Chicago, and surrounding suburbs.
Getting Started
Getting started begins with a short introductory call to understand your business, team size, and legal priorities. For example, we may discuss current contract volume, employment concerns, or governance needs. From there, we recommend a retainer level aligned with your anticipated usage and outline next steps. You can schedule a 20-minute compliance review through our contact page.
Onboarding typically includes reviewing key contracts, employment documents, and organizational information. Agencies often provide sample MSAs, SOWs, offer letters, and contractor agreements. This review helps us understand existing structures and identify areas that may need attention. The process is designed to be efficient and tailored to your business.
Communication is handled through email and scheduled calls, depending on the nature of the issue. Clients typically reach out with questions as they arise, such as reviewing a contract or discussing an employment decision. Response times are defined in the retainer agreement to set clear expectations. Ongoing access is one of the primary benefits of a retainer relationship.
If your business grows beyond the scope of your current retainer, we discuss adjusting services or coordinating with additional counsel as needed. For example, a firm expanding nationally or adding complex regulatory needs may require supplemental support. Our role is to help assess next steps and assist with transitions where appropriate. This ensures continuity while supporting your growth.
Disclaimer
This website provides general information about our services, not legal advice. Results depend on specific facts and circumstances. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact us for counsel specific to your situation.