--- title: "Board Governance & Risk Advisory for Startups & SMEs | GTC" description: "Set up a board that holds up to investors: charter, committee terms of reference, conflicts policy, delegation of authority, minutes, and a risk register." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "name": "Board Governance & Risk Advisory", "serviceType": "Board Governance & Risk Advisory", "description": "Set up a board that holds up to investors: charter, committee terms of reference, conflicts policy, delegation of authority, minutes, and a risk register.", "provider": { "@type": "LegalService", "name": "Global Trademark Company", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com" }, "offers": { "@type": "Offer", "description": "Flat attorney fee, quoted by scope before any work begins" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Business Counsel", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/commercial-contracts" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Board Governance & Risk Advisory", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/board-governance-advisory" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "We're a small startup. Isn't a board charter overkill?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is lighter than it sounds, and it pays off before a raise. Investors and acquirers run governance diligence: they ask for the board charter, the minutes, the conflicts register, and the delegation matrix. Companies that build these early sail through; companies that scramble to backfill them mid-deal lose time and leverage. We scope the framework to your stage, so a seed-stage company gets a lean version, not a listed-company apparatus." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's in the package?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A board charter; terms of reference for the committees you need (commonly audit and remuneration); a director duties and conflicts-of-interest policy with a register and recusal process; a delegation-of-authority matrix covering reserved matters and spend thresholds; a meeting calendar with agenda and minute templates; and a practical risk register. We tailor the set to your constitution and stage rather than handing over a fixed stack you don't need." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you sit on the board or attend meetings?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. We advise on and document the governance framework, then hand it to your board to run. We can be engaged separately to attend specific meetings or as ongoing counsel, but the standard scope is to set up the framework and brief your directors so they can operate it themselves. The board makes the decisions; we provide the structure those decisions sit inside." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the delegation-of-authority matrix work?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It sets, in writing and in advance, which decisions require the full board, which a committee can take, and which management can take alone, with spend thresholds and a list of reserved matters the board never delegates. It removes the recurring argument about who can approve what, and gives auditors and investors a clear map of how authority flows in the company." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does good governance protect directors from liability?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It reduces exposure; it does not eliminate it. A documented conflicts policy, proper minutes, and a delegation matrix are the evidence that directors acted carefully and within their authority, which is what matters if a decision is later questioned. But directors' duties are owed under law, and whether a particular decision met them is for a court to decide. We can't promise an outcome a court controls. Where your sector carries specific regulatory duties or the question turns on tax or securities law, we coordinate the right specialist." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the fee set?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is a flat attorney fee, quoted by scope and confirmed in writing before any work begins, no hourly billing and no quote after the fact. The scope depends on how many committees and policies you need and how much existing material we adapt versus draft from scratch. We agree it on the consultation call so you know the number before we start." } } ], "dateModified": "2026-08-28" } ] --- [![](/branding/logos/gtc-logo-stacked.svg)![](/branding/logos/gtc-logo-stacked-white.svg)](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources - Company Sign inEN · USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. › 3. [Business Counsel](/services/commercial-contracts) 4. › 5. Board Governance Business Counsel · Board Governance # A board that runs properly, not a title on a cap table. Most early companies have directors but no working board. We set up the governance an investor expects to see: a board charter, terms of reference for each committee, a director duties and conflicts policy, a clear delegation of authority, a meeting and minutes discipline that creates a real record, and a practical risk register the board reviews. We advise and document the framework; the board makes the decisions. The fee is a flat attorney quote, set by scope and confirmed in writing before any work begins. From $900 , a flat attorney fee, quoted by scope before any work begins. [Set Up Your Board](/forms/catalog/business-counsel/board-governance-advisory?ref=b2c) [Excellent ![](/branding/trustpilot/stars-4.5.svg)Trustpilot ](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) ![A GTC attorney reviewing a board charter and risk register with a startup's directors in a bright modern office](/img/home/hero-library/m-bc-board-480.jpg) Governance set Charters & minutes Board protected Duties clear Runs smoothly Meetings on cadence ![](/assets/snehaja-WDgbdU0E.webp)![](/assets/riktanjali-BRDLgLw1.webp)![](/assets/prachi-CRF_CV7g.webp) Legal team GTC's contracts team Commercial counsel ![](/assets/snehaja-WDgbdU0E.webp)![](/assets/riktanjali-BRDLgLw1.webp)![](/assets/prachi-CRF_CV7g.webp) Legal team GTC's contracts team Commercial counsel 19,591+ contracts 10,924+ clients 11 attorneys 10+ years IIPLA Top IP Consultancy 2026 [Upwork · Top Rated Plus ](https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/zamanzaidi) Trusted by founders and brands worldwide ![Atlys](/assets/atlys-B5BookJo.webp "Atlys")![Perfora](/assets/perfora-D4_346Y2.webp "Perfora")![Soxco](/assets/soxco-D31kWMAz.webp "Soxco")![BossCare](data:image/webp;base64,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 "BossCare")![Innovist](/assets/innovist-BgYdG_yd.webp "Innovist")![Bacardi](/assets/bacardi-JU27gvk6.webp "Bacardi")![Footcare Lab](/assets/footcarelab-BLfB0WJu.webp "Footcare Lab")![Bare Anatomy](/assets/bare-anatomy-CBhgu9Ro.webp "Bare Anatomy")![Freedom](/assets/freedom-confectionery-HioHiGYc.webp "Freedom") How it works ## Three steps from informal directors to a board investors recognise. 1 ### Governance review and scoping A call to map what exists today. Your constitution or bylaws, who the directors are, how decisions are really made, and what a raise or investor will expect. We identify the gaps: no charter, no committees, no minutes, no conflicts policy, no risk register. 2 ### Draft the governance framework We draft the board charter and the terms of reference for the committees you need, typically audit and remuneration, plus a director duties and conflicts-of-interest policy and a delegation-of-authority matrix that sets which decisions the board keeps and which sit with management. 3 ### Cadence, minutes and risk register We set a meeting calendar with agenda templates, a minute-taking discipline that produces a defensible record, and a practical risk register your board reviews each cycle. We hand over the pack and a short briefing so the board can run it without us in the room. What it costs ## A flat fee, quoted up front. Board Governance & Risk Advisory starts from $900. Board governance advisory is a flat attorney fee, quoted by scope and confirmed in writing before any work begins, no hourly billing and no quote after the fact. The scope covers the board charter, committee terms of reference, the director duties and conflicts policy, the delegation-of-authority matrix, the meeting cadence with agenda and minute templates, and a practical risk register. What moves the fee is how many committees and policies you need and how much existing material we adapt rather than draft from scratch, which we confirm on the consultation call. What's included - Board charter drafted to your constitution and stage - Terms of reference for the committees you need (commonly audit and remuneration) - Director duties and conflicts-of-interest policy with a register and recusal process - Delegation-of-authority matrix. Reserved matters, committee powers, and spend thresholds - Meeting calendar with agenda and minute-taking templates - A practical risk register tailored to your business, with a review cadence - A handover briefing so your board can run the framework without us in the room Board governance advisory (attorney fee) Flat fee, quoted by scope before work begins Additional committee terms of reference Quoted upfront, by scope Board attendance or ongoing counsel Quoted separately if you want it We advise on and document the governance framework; your board makes the decisions, and a director's duties are owed under law. We don't promise that any policy or minute will determine a court's view, and we don't provide tax or securities advice. Where a question turns on sector-specific regulation, tax, or securities law, we coordinate the right specialist. Get started ### Set up your board Tell us about your company and where you are with governance, and we'll scope the framework and email a flat-fee quote, no payment, no obligation. The attorney fee is a flat quote confirmed in writing before any work begins. We advise on and document the governance framework; your board makes the decisions. [Start Now](/forms/catalog?subcategory=board-governance-advisory&ref=b2c) Why GTC ## Why governance from counsel survives a diligence review. ![](/assets/snehaja-WDgbdU0E.webp)![](/assets/riktanjali-BRDLgLw1.webp)![](/assets/prachi-CRF_CV7g.webp) Legal team GTC's contracts team Commercial counsel Attorney-drafted ### A charter built around your company The board charter and committee terms of reference are drafted to your constitution, your stage, and your investors' expectations, not a generic template that contradicts your own bylaws the moment someone reads both side by side. ### Director duties and conflicts, in writing Directors carry real duties and personal exposure. We document a duties and conflicts-of-interest policy with a register and a recusal process, so a related-party decision is handled cleanly rather than becoming a finding in diligence. ### Delegation that prevents the gridlock A delegation-of-authority matrix sets, in advance, which decisions need the board, which need a committee, and which sit with management, including spend thresholds and reserved matters, so the company moves without re-litigating who can approve what. ### Minutes and a risk register that hold up A disciplined minute is the evidence that the board considered a decision properly, and a live risk register shows you are managing risk, not reacting to it. Both are the artefacts investors and auditors ask to see first. Your Customer Success Team ## A dedicated team that owns your matter from start to finish. Every GTC client gets a dedicated Account Manager and a Senior Account Manager who learn your business and stay with you from first email to final filing. They are named people who pick up the phone and already know your matter, so every step moves forward without delay. ### Your Account Manager Your day-to-day point of contact, who coordinates every matter, keeps things moving, and already knows your file. They have your full history, so you start every conversation where the last one left off. ### Your Senior Account Manager Senior oversight on strategy and escalations, stepping in as your needs grow, so every important detail stays on track. A named person, on email or a call, at every step. ![Your dedicated GTC Customer Success Team](/assets/m-onboarding-bright-welcome-C-heDolY.jpg) How we compare ## Weighing how to formalise your board? Here's what sets GTC apart. What you get GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Board charter and committee terms of reference drafted to your constitution and stage Generic template Generic template Director duties and conflicts-of-interest policy with a register and recusal process Delegation-of-authority matrix with reserved matters and spend thresholds Meeting cadence, agenda templates and a minute-taking discipline set up with the board Left to the company Left to the company A practical risk register the board reviews each cycle A flat fee quoted by scope, confirmed in writing before work begins Hourly / unclear Hourly / unclear Board charter and committee terms of reference drafted to your constitution and stage GTC Online filing services Generic template Doing it yourself Generic template Director duties and conflicts-of-interest policy with a register and recusal process GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Delegation-of-authority matrix with reserved matters and spend thresholds GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Meeting cadence, agenda templates and a minute-taking discipline set up with the board GTC Online filing services Left to the company Doing it yourself Left to the company A practical risk register the board reviews each cycle GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself A flat fee quoted by scope, confirmed in writing before work begins GTC Online filing services Hourly / unclear Doing it yourself Hourly / unclear The timeline ## From governance review to a board that runs itself. The drafting is fast; the variable is your company's input. Board composition, committee membership, and the thresholds in the delegation matrix are decisions only you can make. We sequence the work so drafting never waits on a decision that isn't settled. 1. Day 1 ### Governance review We map the current setup against your constitution and your investors' expectations, and agree which committees and policies the board needs. 2. Week 1 ### Charter and committees drafted The board charter and terms of reference for your committees are drafted, along with the director duties and conflicts-of-interest policy, for your review. 3. Week 2 ### Delegation and risk register We build the delegation-of-authority matrix. Reserved matters, committee powers, spend thresholds, and a practical risk register tailored to your business. 4. Week 2–3 ### Cadence, minutes and handover We set the meeting calendar, agenda and minute templates, and brief the board so it can run the framework without us in the room. In their words ## All your legal, in one place. One accountable team across every practice, operating since 2016. [Excellent ![](/branding/trustpilot/stars-4.5.svg)Trustpilot ](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) 19,591+ Contracts drafted 10,924+ Clients served 11 In-house attorneys 10+ Years since 2016 Board Governance & Risk Advisory FAQ ## Frequently asked questions We're a small startup. Isn't a board charter overkill? It is lighter than it sounds, and it pays off before a raise. Investors and acquirers run governance diligence: they ask for the board charter, the minutes, the conflicts register, and the delegation matrix. Companies that build these early sail through; companies that scramble to backfill them mid-deal lose time and leverage. We scope the framework to your stage, so a seed-stage company gets a lean version, not a listed-company apparatus. What's in the package? Do you sit on the board or attend meetings? How does the delegation-of-authority matrix work? Does good governance protect directors from liability? How is the fee set? [Set Up Your Board](/forms/catalog/business-counsel/board-governance-advisory?ref=b2c) Related business-counsel services ## What companies put in place alongside governance. Governance is the framework the board runs inside. These are the documents and reviews that sit next to it as the company formalises. [ ### ESOP design An option pool and plan documents drafted to your cap table. The equity question a remuneration committee will own. See ESOP design ](/services/esop-design)[ ### Legal audit / health check A structured review of your contracts, IP, and compliance. The diligence sweep that pairs with a governance review before a raise. See the legal audit ](/services/legal-audit-health-check)[ ### Commercial contracts Drafting and review across NDAs, employment, and custom agreements. The full business-counsel contracts hub. See commercial contracts ](/services/commercial-contracts) Build a board that holds up to scrutiny. ## Ready when you are. A free consultation. We'll review your current setup, identify the governance gaps an investor will flag, scope the framework, and confirm a flat attorney fee in writing, before any drafting begins. 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