About Spencer Johnston

Your Fractional General Counsel

I founded the Law Office of Spencer Johnston to provide small businesses and startups with the kind of strategic legal counsel typically reserved for companies with in-house legal teams. As a solo practitioner focused on being your fractional general counsel, I offer the expertise, responsiveness, and personalized attention that growing businesses need to thrive.

My practice sits at the intersection of business law and the digital economy. I help clients navigate the complex legal landscape of online business, from privacy compliance to digital marketing regulations to everyday business operations. Whether you're launching a new venture, scaling an existing business, or dealing with a specific legal challenge, I'm here to provide practical, proactive guidance.

Privacy & Data Protection

With CIPP/US and CIPM certifications from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), I bring focused knowledge in privacy and data protection law. I help clients develop comprehensive privacy programs, ensure compliance with regulations like CCPA and GDPR, and build privacy-by-design into their products and services.

Privacy isn't just about compliance—it's a competitive advantage. Consumers increasingly care about how businesses handle their data, and a strong privacy posture builds trust, enhances brand reputation, and reduces risk.

The Fractional Model

Many small businesses can't justify a full-time general counsel, but they still need ongoing legal support beyond occasional outside counsel engagement. That's where fractional general counsel comes in.

As your fractional GC, I become an embedded part of your team. I learn your business, understand your goals, anticipate your legal needs, and provide the consistent, proactive support that helps you avoid problems before they arise. You get the benefits of in-house counsel at a fraction of the cost.

My Approach

I believe in practical, business-minded legal advice. My job isn't just to identify legal risks—it's to help you make informed decisions that balance risk with opportunity. I explain complex legal concepts in plain language, provide actionable recommendations, and work collaboratively to achieve your business objectives.

Every client relationship starts with understanding your business: your industry, your customers, your competitive landscape, and your goals. From there, I tailor my services to provide the legal support you need, whether that's a monthly retainer, project-based engagement, or something in between.