Pasadena Outside General Counsel for Small Businesses

Strategic Outside General Counsel for Pasadena Businesses

Growing a business requires navigating a minefield of contracts, state regulations, and employment laws. For many small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Southern California, hiring a full-time, in-house legal team is financially out of reach. Lum Law Group’s Outside General Counsel services provide your company with executive-level legal support at predictable rates, allowing you to focus on scaling your business.

Executive-Level Legal Support Without the In-House Overhead

Think of us as a dedicated extension of your executive team. We learn the intricacies of your operations, your risk tolerance, and your industry landscape. By identifying potential legal liabilities before they become expensive lawsuits, we save your business time, money, and reputational damage.

Core General Counsel Services

Our holistic approach covers the day-to-day legal hurdles that California businesses face:

  • Business Formation & Structuring: Selecting the right entity (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp) for tax efficiency, liability protection, and future fundraising.
  • Contracts & Agreements: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating vendor agreements, client service contracts, and commercial leases to ensure your interests are heavily protected.
  • Corporate Compliance & Risk Management: Keeping your corporate records up to date, managing board resolutions, and advising on local and state regulatory compliance.
  • Employment & Independent Contractors: Navigating California’s complex labor laws, including AB5 compliance, to properly classify workers and draft enforceable employment agreements.

Transparent, Predictable Billing

Traditional law firms rely on unpredictable hourly billing that discourages business owners from picking up the phone. We utilize flat-fee project rates and customized monthly retainer models. You get the ongoing, high-level legal advice you need without fear of a surprise invoice at the end of the month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Outside General Counsel?

An attorney or law firm providing ongoing legal support without the cost of a full-time in-house legal department.

Many businesses find monthly legal retainers more cost-effective than hiring in-house counsel.

Contracts, compliance, employment matters, corporate governance, risk management, and strategic legal planning.

About A. Justin Lum

A. Justin Lum has been practicing law since 1993, with more than 30 years of experience serving clients across a wide range of legal matters. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and UC Davis School of Law, he is also a past President of the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association, continuing a proud family legacy of leadership in the legal profession.