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    Cornerstone guide

    Connected outside counsel for a growing business.

    A legal team that knows the business and stays involved. We handle agreed work across contracts, company matters and transactions, and help coordinate additional counsel when a question needs different expertise.

    Published May 26, 2026

    By Drew Jacobs, Esq. — Founder, Jacobs Counsel LLC

    Director, Sports, Entertainment & Gaming Initiatives at Seton Hall Law

    Last reviewed:

    What is full-stack counsel?

    Full-stack counsel describes an ongoing legal relationship built around your business. One responsible attorney coordinates agreed work across contracts, company matters and transactions, with specialist or local counsel involved when needed.

    Why continuity matters

    When your attorney learns the product, people and recurring contract terms, a new request can build on existing context instead of starting from zero. One responsible contact can coordinate agreed work, flag decisions for business owners and help prioritize the next matter.

    Continuity does not replace specialist or local counsel. We discuss when different expertise is needed and coordinate involvement within the agreed scope.

    What the working relationship includes

    A consistent legal contact, a shared understanding of priorities, and a clear way to get work done.

    Responsible attorney

    A qualified attorney is assigned to the legal work, with principal-led oversight and firm accountability.

    Agreed workflow

    Decide how requests arrive, which channels to use and who owns business decisions and deadlines.

    Written scope and budget

    Set staffing, fees and budget guardrails before ongoing or defined work begins.

    Prioritization and escalation

    Agree which matters need attention and how to raise changes in priority.

    Specialist coordination

    Identify where another attorney or local counsel is appropriate and agree how to coordinate.

    Further reading: Fractional GC vs. in-house counsel and outside-counsel models.

    Work we can scope together

    Depending on the engagement, that may include commercial contracts, company transactions, brand and IP questions or gaming regulatory work.

    A recurring contract workflow

    1. The business owner shares the counterparty, deal goal, deadline and contract through the agreed channel.
    2. The attorney reviews or drafts and flags terms needing a business decision.
    3. The team negotiates within scope and records decisions and agreed positions.
    4. The final agreement goes into the agreed system, and the team revisits priorities as needed.

    Before an engagement is confirmed in writing, please do not send confidential details.

    Technology supports the work

    Approved tools may assist with research, document review, organization and drafting. Attorneys verify the work and remain responsible for legal advice and final deliverables. We evaluate tools and data-handling practices against our confidentiality and security obligations and address matter-specific restrictions as appropriate.

    See how we use technology.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does connected or full-stack counsel mean?
    Full-stack counsel describes an ongoing legal relationship built around your business. One responsible attorney coordinates agreed work across contracts, company matters and transactions, with specialist or local counsel involved when needed.

    What companies are a fit?
    Growing businesses, founder-led and Series A/B companies, established operators and lean in-house teams may benefit from recurring legal support. Fit depends on the work, jurisdiction, conflicts, staffing and scope. We also work with gaming, sports, entertainment and hospitality businesses.

    Can we start with one project?
    Yes. A defined contract, transaction or other project can be a starting point. An ongoing relationship is a separate decision, agreed in writing after scope and conflicts review.

    How do requests enter the workflow?
    We agree on a responsible contact, communication channels such as email or Slack where appropriate, priorities, owners and deadlines. Business decisions go back to the relevant owner; the attorney remains responsible for legal advice within the agreed scope.

    How are fees agreed?
    Recurring work may be hourly, retainer-based or hybrid. Fixed fees may fit defined projects. Scope, staffing, fees and budget guardrails are set out in the written engagement agreement.

    What happens when specialist counsel is needed?
    We discuss the need for specialist or local counsel and coordinate where appropriate under the agreed scope. An outside-counsel relationship does not mean one attorney handles every specialty or jurisdiction.

    How does the firm use technology?
    Approved tools may assist with research, document review, organization and drafting. Attorneys verify the work and remain responsible for legal advice and final deliverables. We evaluate tools and data-handling practices against our confidentiality and security obligations and address matter-specific restrictions as appropriate.

    Talk through the next step

    Choose a complimentary fit-and-intake call with Jamee (no legal advice) or a paid attorney strategy session with Drew, subject to conflict review.

    View call options