Thomas S. Carter provides ongoing legal advisory services to businesses across the East Bay. As outsourced general counsel, he delivers consistent legal support on a part-time or project basis, offering the value of in-house counsel without the cost of a full-time hire. His practice focuses on companies that need regular legal guidance for daily operations, compliance, and growth planning, all without the overhead of building a legal department. Mr. Carter works directly with business owners and executives to navigate legal risks, manage obligations, and support strategic decisions. If your business needs reliable legal counsel with a practical understanding of your industry and long-term goals, contact The Law Office of Thomas S. Carter at (925) 262-9220 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Ongoing Legal Support Services | Serving as Your External Legal Department Proactive Legal Oversight and Risk Management Continuous legal guidance allows businesses to identify risks early and avoid costly disruptions. Mr. Carter works with companies to review evolving regulations, evaluate operational changes, and offers strategic legal insight before issues arise. He provides immediate advice on matters such as contracts, compliance, and internal policies. Regular engagement ensures your management team has direct access to legal counsel when making critical business decisions. A Practical Alternative to In-House Counsel For many companies, outsourced general counsel services offer a cost- effective solution. Mr. Carter’s services provide the legal coverage businesses need without the financial commitment of a full-time legal department. His flexible fee structures provide predictability, helping businesses manage legal costs while still receiving high-level service across multiple practice areas. As businesses expand, his services are scaled to meet changing needs. Strategic Business Planning and Decision Support Integrating legal counsel into business strategy enhances decision-making. Mr. Carter participates in leadership meetings, board discussions, and planning sessions where legal analysis can influence strategy. His advisory services include monitoring regulatory shifts, assessing industry risks, and guiding competitive initiatives. Over time, this ongoing relationship fosters a deep understanding of your company’s objectives and operational priorities, strengthening the value of legal counsel. Comprehensive Legal Services Portfolio | Addressing Key Areas of Business Law Employment Law and Workforce Compliance • Development of employee handbooks and workplace policies • Guidance on hiring, performance management, and terminations • Wage and hour law compliance and classification assessments • Support for workplace disputes and employee relations • Oversight of disciplinary processes and benefits compliance Corporate Governance and Operational Matters • Board meeting preparation and governance advisory services • Shareholder communication and investor relations support • Corporate compliance monitoring and formalities oversight • Contract review and negotiation assistance • Vendor relationship management and contract enforcement • Regulatory filing and licensing compliance Transactional and Deal Support • Structuring and negotiation of business transactions • Due diligence review and risk assessment in transactions • Financing agreement analysis and documentation • Partnership formation and joint venture structuring • Evaluation of acquisition opportunities and integration planning • Exit strategy development and succession planning Industry-Specific Legal Advisory Services | Tailoring Counsel to Specialized Business Sectors Technology and Innovation Technology companies require legal counsel that addresses intellectual property, data protection, and regulatory compliance. Mr. Carter works with technology ventures on matters including patent protection, licensing agreements, and venture capital readiness. His services also support employee equity plans, privacy compliance, and strategic partnerships that drive innovation and growth. Healthcare and Professional Services Healthcare providers and professional service firms face unique regulatory landscapes. Mr. Carter advises these clients on patient privacy laws, licensing requirements, professional liability concerns, and corporate structuring. His services extend to compliance monitoring, partnership development, and succession planning to help maintain regulatory standing and business continuity. Financial and Investment Services Firms in the financial sector encounter complex regulatory frameworks and fiduciary obligations. Mr. Carter offers guidance on securities laws, investment advisory compliance, client relationship governance, and reporting requirements. He also advises on strategic growth opportunities and succession plans that align with industry regulations. Construction and Real Estate Development Businesses in construction and real estate navigate frequent legal challenges related to contracts, safety regulations, and development compliance. Mr. Carter assists with contract management, regulatory filings, project development agreements, and risk mitigation strategies. His services are designed to protect business interests throughout all project phases. Retainer and Fee Arrangements | Structuring Legal Support to Suit Your Business Monthly Retainer Programs Monthly retainers provide businesses with predictable legal costs and priority access to legal counsel. These programs include scheduled consultations, document reviews, telephone support, and email communications. Retainer clients benefit from immediate response times, consistent legal guidance, and budget control. Plans are scalable to match the business’s growth and evolving legal needs. Project-Based Legal Services For businesses addressing specific legal projects, Mr. Carter offers project-based or “fractional” services. These arrangements focus on defined initiatives such as compliance programs, policy development, or complex transactions. Clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables are established, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the project. Hybrid Service Models Some businesses require both regular legal support and flexibility to address occasional large projects. Hybrid service models offer a combination of monthly retainer services and project-based arrangements. These programs are customized to meet each company’s operational needs while maintaining clarity regarding fees and services. Legal Technology Integration | Leveraging Technology for Efficient Legal Solutions Document Management and Collaboration Mr. Carter’s services include the use of secure electronic document management systems. These tools provide easy access to contracts, compliance records, and corporate documents while allowing for secure collaboration between legal counsel and management teams. Cloud-based systems maintain document integrity, version control, and confidentiality. Contact General Counsel Attorney Thomas S. Carter Attorney Carter’s general counsel services are designed to provide businesses with consistent, reliable legal support. Whether your company needs long-term advisory services or project-specific assistance, he offers practical solutions that protect your interests and help drive business success. To learn more, contact The Law Office of Thomas S. Carter at (925) 262-9220 or complete our Case Evaluation Form.