GC on demand: Legal advice – flexible and tailored 

This article was originally on the gunnercooke German website, found here.

Hands-on experience as interim counsel for an international client 

Introduction 

Oliver Huq is a partner at gunnercooke in Düsseldorf with over 15 years’ experience on an international level. As a legal generalist, he specialises in commercial law, focusing on (public) procurement, compliance, data protection, IP/IT, litigation & ADR, and contract drafting and negotiation. He advises internationally across architecture, automotive, construction, defence, IT (software, hardware, and AI), logistics, mechanical & plant engineering, and healthcare. 

Bettina Windisch-Altieri is a partner at gunnercooke in Vienna and has practised as a commercial lawyer for over 25 years. She advises global companies on cross-border contract law, with a focus on intellectual property and technology transfer. Her expertise spans both industry and the media sector, and she works almost exclusively in English. Having spent many years as in-house counsel for an international corporation, she has a deep understanding of the internal processes and challenges of large companies. 

Both have been supporting companies for years as experienced (interim) legal counsel, providing expert advice while keeping business considerations in focus. This includes international clients seeking expert interim advice for their businesses in the DACH region. For over six months, they have been working together – from Vienna and Düsseldorf – for an international client. Here, they share insights into their work, the GC on demand model, and the future of this flexible approach to legal services. 

Q: What does GC on demand mean? 

Oliver Huq: Companies are increasingly finding that their legal resources aren’t enough, whether due to a small or absent in-house team, staffing gaps, or missing specialist knowledge. That’s where GC on demand comes in. We integrate flexibly into the company, working closely with the relevant teams, bringing legal expertise, sector knowledge, and a business-minded approach. And if needed, we can also draw on the wider expertise of all GC partners. 

Bettina Windisch-Altieri: There are many reasons why a company might need extra support: heavy workloads, parental leave, illness, or complex matters requiring specific expertise. Whatever the reason, we can step in, take on tasks, guide processes, or support internal structures – without the need to hire permanent staff. This is especially valuable for international clients, as gunnercooke operates globally. For them, it means maximum flexibility, on-demand expertise, and full cost control. 

Q: How is this different from legal outsourcing? 

Oliver Huq: Legal outsourcing often hands tasks entirely to external providers, usually without the close coordination that’s often needed. GC on demand works differently: we collaborate closely with the in-house team using modern, agile communication tools. This allows us to work effectively, in tune with the company’s culture, streamlining decision-making and improving collaboration. 

Q: Who is GC on demand for, and how is it billed? 

Bettina Windisch-Altieri: The model works for SMEs, multinational companies, and start-ups alike. We step in when additional resources, specialist knowledge, or legal expertise are needed – without long-term fixed costs. It’s particularly useful for international clients: we provide business-level English, and if needed, advice in other languages and legal systems through our network of experienced partners. 

Oliver Huq: All gunnercooke partners have over 10,000 hours of legal practice. GC on demand partners also bring in-house experience, whether as general counsel, interim legal counsel, or legal director, and in some cases, management experience. They are therefore fully effective from day one. Billing is flexible and transparent: daily or hourly rates, or project-based fees. Our clients always know what they are getting and at what cost. 

Q: What does your collaboration look like in practice? 

Oliver Huq: For over six months, we’ve been jointly supporting an international client in the DACH region – Bettina from Vienna, me from Düsseldorf. We divide work by expertise and region, discuss complex issues together, and cover for each other when needed. Most of our work is remote, in close coordination with the legal department and management. Contract negotiations take place on-site with the client or their customers when necessary. We review contracts, assess risks, and explain complex issues clearly so management can make informed decisions. 

Bettina Windisch-Altieri: Being interim legal counsel requires adaptability, clear communication, and practical solutions. Unlike traditional law firm work, I’m much more involved in internal decision-making. This change of perspective makes the role particularly engaging and is highly valued by our client. I joined the team after Oliver, but thanks to our experience, we quickly became an efficient duo and established smooth collaboration with the wider in-house legal team. 

Q: What do clients value most about your service? 

Bettina Windisch-Altieri: Our client’s legal department advises multiple locations and business units, balancing the perspectives of many decision-makers. That’s not always easy. What is appreciated is our close collaboration and understanding of internal processes and challenges. At the end of the day, it’s about identifying and managing risks while providing practical, implementable solutions. 

Oliver Huq: This is reflected in the client’s feedback at the end of the year: “What I particularly appreciate is the trust-based collaboration, which goes far beyond the usual business relationship, and the fact that I know I can always rely on you.” 

Q: How do you see GC on demand developing in the future? 

Oliver Huq: With the pool of lawyers shrinking and workloads increasing, GC on demand is becoming ever more important. Companies need flexible, competent solutions to meet complex, changing requirements, especially in an international context. 

Bettina Windisch-Altieri: In challenging economic times, GC on demand is particularly valuable because it improves efficiency and risk management while offering maximum flexibility. We’re also proud that the model works across borders and is already highly valued by our clients. 

To find out more about our Interim Counsel Services in the DACH region, contact us here.