Outside General Counsel
Ongoing, seamless legal support as an integral part of your organization’s mission-driven team
Governance and Board Advisory
Regulatory and Compliance Oversight
Employment and Volunteer Matters
Contract Review and Risk Management
Strategic Legal Guidance for Organizational Growth
Providing two options
Strategic Counsel Subscription
Perfect for organizations seeking 5 to 20 hours of legal services per month (60 to 240 hours annually)
Modest but ongoing advisory access
Email, phone, and client portal access
Contract and document reviews
Governance and compliance advice
Fractional General Counsel
Perfect for organizations seeking 25 to 40 hours monthly (300 to 480 hours annually)
Expansive, imbedded executive-level partnership
Dedicated weekly, bimonthly, or monthly touchpoints
Participation in leadership meetings
Board meeting attendance
Annual compliance roadmap
Policy development planning
Risk assessment reviews
and three easy ways to pay
Hourly rate with flexible monthly hours
Fixed monthly hours on a short-term basis
Fixed monthly hours on an annual basis at a preferred (discounted) rate
Nonprofits often need consistent legal guidance but do not require or cannot justify the expense of full-time in-house counsel. Outside general counsel services provide mission-driven organizations with reliable, ongoing access to experienced nonprofit legal counsel who understands the organization’s structure, governance obligations, and regulatory environment.
Commonlight Legal serves as outside general counsel to nonprofits and tax-exempt organizations across Connecticut, DC, Massachusetts, and New York, offering practical legal support that helps leadership anticipate risks, meet compliance obligations, and make informed decisions aligned with the organization’s mission.