Austin Outside General Counsel Services Lawyer

Legal Advice and Assistance to Texas Businesses Delivered With Focused Precision

Businesses of all sizes face an evolving legal landscape that requires proactive legal oversight and strategic decision-making. However, not every company has the resources or need for a full-time, in-house legal department. Flores, PLLC, serves as Austin outside general counsel lawyer for businesses of all sizes in Texas, providing comprehensive legal guidance tailored to each client’s industry, operations, and long-term goals.

With a deep understanding of corporate governance, corporate compliance, and risk management, we offer practical legal solutions that help businesses operate efficiently while minimizing liability. Whether handling routine legal matters or advising on complex strategic initiatives, we act as a trusted legal partner, allowing business leaders to focus on growth and innovation.

The Value of Outside General Counsel

Engaging outside general counsel provides companies with ongoing access to high-level legal guidance without the expense of maintaining an in-house legal department. Our firm offers the flexibility to scale legal support based on the specific needs of each client. Whether businesses require occasional legal advice or continuous oversight of governance, compliance, and contracts, Flores, PLLC, delivers customized legal solutions that align with operational priorities.

Comprehensive Legal Services for Businesses

As outside general counsel, we provide a full range of legal services to help businesses manage risk, maintain compliance, and execute strategic initiatives.

Strategic Legal Planning and Advice

Every business decision carries legal implications, and proactive legal planning is essential for mitigating risk and seizing opportunities. We work closely with executives and business owners to develop strategies that align with their corporate objectives, whether they are expanding operations, negotiating key transactions, or navigating complex regulatory environments.

Corporate Governance Matters

Strong corporate governance is essential for maintaining investor confidence, regulatory compliance, and operational stability. We assist companies with developing and implementing corporate policies and procedures, advising boards of directors on fiduciary duties and best practices, and ensuring compliance with corporate formalities and regulatory requirements. By fostering sound governance practices, we help businesses maintain transparency and accountability while minimizing legal risks.

Contract Drafting, Review, and Negotiation

Contracts serve as the foundation of business relationships, and well-structured agreements can prevent disputes and protect a company’s interests. We provide legal oversight for:

Drafting and reviewing commercial contracts, including vendor agreements, service contracts, and independent contractor agreements
Negotiating terms to safeguard business objectives while maintaining positive partnerships
Identifying and mitigating potential risks within contractual obligations

With extensive experience in contract law, Flores, PLLC, ensures that agreements are clear, enforceable, and aligned with clients’ operational goals.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Unforeseen legal challenges can disrupt business operations and result in financial losses. We take a proactive approach to risk management by identifying vulnerabilities and implementing preventive measures. Our firm advises on liability reduction strategies tailored to industry-specific risks, dispute resolution planning, including mediation and arbitration options, and internal policy development to enhance regulatory compliance and limit exposure to litigation. By addressing potential legal pitfalls before they escalate, we help businesses operate with confidence and stability.

Compliance Program Reviews and Implementation

Regulatory compliance is a critical component of business success, particularly in highly regulated industries such as oil and gas, real estate, and manufacturing. We assist clients in developing and maintaining compliance programs that meet industry standards and governmental requirements. Our services include assessment of regulatory adherence, implementation of corporate compliance programs to align with legal obligations, and providing employee training on compliance protocols and best practices. Our firm ensures that businesses remain compliant with federal, state, and industry-specific regulations, reducing the risk of costly penalties and enforcement actions.

An Experienced Corporate General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary

Melina Flores has years of experience serving as General Counsel for major construction and manufacturing international corporations based in the Houston, Texas, area and Mexico. In that capacity, she has accomplished all of the following for her clients, helping them operate more efficiently and profitably while mitigating risk and protecting valuable rights. As your outside general counsel, Flores, PLLC, provides these services and more as needed targeted to your specific needs and goals.

Advised board of directors, executive management, and business units on strategic planning, budgeting and objectives, corporate governance, M&A, strategic alliances, fiduciary liability matters, high-profile contracts, transactions and litigation, labor and employment matters (including reductions in force), immigration, real property, intellectual property, trade, and all other legal affairs of the organization.
Built and managed Legal Department for an organization that included 19 entities, 4 manufacturing plants, 3 cement plants (2 unionized and 1 located abroad), 3 waste disposal facilities, 1 corporate office, and several cement terminals, offices, points of sale, and warehouses, and advised parent public companies and foreign subsidiaries in cross-border legal matters, regulatory, and financing.
Overhauled and improved compliance program (including training), advanced, advised on, and guided implementation of in-house learning management system, developed and/or advised on the most relevant compliance policies of the organization (including, without limitation, Code of Ethics, Anticorruption and FCPA, Trade, Antitrust, Privacy, Data Breach, Signature Authority, and Discrimination and Harassment Prevention), and a wide range of compliance and regulatory issues and risk management and mitigation procedures.
Reduced annual legal expenses by at least 10% year after year through strategic litigation management.
Led internal investigations and led the organization in the successful resolution of high-profile litigation, including a number of class actions.
Streamlined legal services through the implementation of an automatized legal intake and triage process for incoming legal requests and establishment of workflows.
Established outside counsel guidelines and legal invoice review process resulting in improvements in tracking of legal spend and payment of approved outside counsel fees.
Built the Legal Department and advised executive management on legal issues and strategies relating to broad-ranging corporate matters, including corporate governance, creation and implementation of policies and procedures, regulatory matters, litigation, and real property.
Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated contracts including EPFC, construction, government contracts, consortium, distribution, real estate purchase, employment, severance, lease, independent consultant, intercompany, services, non-disclosure, master services, agency, staffing, freight forwarding, joint venture, subcontracts, purchase order terms and conditions, letters of intent, settlement agreements, and memoranda of understanding.
Advised on international commercial transactions and the creation of foreign entities throughout Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, South Africa, and Canada. Leveraged Mexican law degree and legal experience to advise on on-shore and off-shore contracts and transactions, labor and employment law matters, and preliminary tax issues throughout Latin America.
Identified, approved, and managed domestic and international outside counsel, and liaised with outside counsel to manage litigation deadlines and assist with discovery. Reviewed and revised petitions, complaints, answers, motions, and other pleadings.

A Trusted Legal Partner for Your Austin Business

Flores, PLLC, offers businesses the legal insight and strategic counsel needed to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. As Austin outside general counsel attorney, we provide tailored legal solutions that support long-term growth, mitigate risks, and enhance corporate governance. Whether your business requires ongoing legal oversight or assistance with specific legal matters, we are committed to delivering proactive and effective legal representation.

Contact Flores, PLLC, today to discuss how our outside general counsel services can support your business.