Outside general counsel is a third-party entity offering legal services and guidance. They specialize in managing extensive or intricate legal issues such as lawsuits, mergers, and acquisitions, leveraging a broad pool of attorneys with specialized expertise. The professionals mostly work for law firms that solely provide legal services. Therefore, they have a wide range of expertise and skills.

Outside general counsel differs from in-house counsel. In-house counsel comprises lawyers that a company hires to work part-time or full-time. They primarily advise company executives, managers, and staff on legal matters. They closely integrate into a company's operations while understanding its goals and legal needs.

Outside general counsel is more affordable than an in-house counsel. A company doesn’t need to pay for office space, bonuses, or other benefits. Startups use outside general counsel to expand across borders, guiding them through regulations and helping avoid legal errors.

Additionally, external counsel's access to specialists benefits businesses, aiding networking. They are flexible, making their engagement viable. Sometimes, a small firm's management may handle legal issues while overseeing other responsibilities. Hiring external counsel allows such organizations to engage attorneys with experience working on various legal matters. Moreover, organizations require legal assistance as needed, such as when a company requires a lawyer to review loan documents. This saves time and resources for businesses.