Independent GC Services provides specialized independent general counsel services exclusively for proprietary trading firms, hedge funds, and independent traders. It stands out by offering a flexible, outsourced legal model that delivers strategic, risk-based counsel without the high costs associated with traditional law firms or the overhead of a full-time in-house attorney.
With over 10 years of industry experience, the firm adopts a business-first, collaborative approach focused on holistic understanding and cost-efficiency. It caters to clients sensitive to rising legal fees, those experiencing workload influxes, or firms requiring coverage during leaves of absence. Services are offered on a flat fee, committed monthly hours, or competitive hourly rate basis, ensuring tailored and accessible legal support.
Services Offered
- Trading Clearing Agreement Review
- Market Data and Software License Review
- Co-location Agreement Review
- Credit Lines and RBMF Review
- SIFMA MRA, GMRA, and MSFTA Annex I Review
- ISDA Master Agreement Schedule Review
- Exchange Membership
- Exchange Agreements: incentive programs, market data, and position limit exemption applications
- Exchange and Regulator Compliance
- Compliance Manual Drafting (Foreign and Domestic Exchanges, CFTC, SEC, and FERC Compliance)
- Inquiry responses and exchange interviews and hearings
- Communicate with regulators and SROs
- Exchange Membership Maintenance
- Operating Agreements, Partnership Agreements
- Entity formation
- Strategic corporate structuring
- Multinational corporate governance documentation
- Equity Owner and Partner Subscriptions and Redemptions
- Intercompany documentation (expense sharing agreements, IP Licenses, Hardware Leases)
- Management advisement on strategic decisions and risk impact
- Employment Agreements and Amendments
- Employee Separation Agreements
- Candidate Non-Compete Review
- Liaison with outside counsel on F-1 (via OPT/CPT and STEM), H-1B and J-1 visas and PERMs
- Regulator and State mandated employee trainings
- Ad hoc legal requests
The firm is based in Alpharetta, Georgia, and serves clients nationally, with expertise in both domestic and international regulatory environments. Hilary DeCarlo, the principal attorney, is admitted to practice in Illinois and Georgia, bringing a focused, analytical approach to each engagement.
