Building a Law Firm Purpose-Built for Staffing
TerraFirma talks with Lia Elliott, Founding Partner at Staffing GC, on entrepreneurship, industry relationships, marketing, and why Staffing GC is focused on proactive legal strategy for staffing firms.
Few industries move as quickly or face as many evolving compliance challenges as staffing. That’s exactly what inspired Elliott to launch a law firm with her business partner and industry veteran, Joanna Monroe, dedicated exclusively to the staffing industry.
After spending 15 years serving as General Counsel for one of the nation’s largest commercial staffing firms, Elliott saw an opportunity to create a more specialized, proactive legal partner for staffing companies navigating growth, compliance, contracts, and risk management.
From In-House Counsel to Entrepreneur
Elliott says her path into staffing law was like many professionals in the industry. Unexpected at first, but ultimately a perfect fit. “I often hear stories from staffing professionals about how they accidentally fell into the industry, and that was true for me too,” she says. “But once you’re in it, it’s hard not to love the pace, the people, and the impact the industry has.”
After years serving as in-house counsel, Elliott and business partner Joanna Monroe began discussing the possibility of building something of their own: a firm created specifically to support staffing companies. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” Elliott says. “When we started talking seriously about what Staffing GC could become, I found myself completely re-energized.”
While she acknowledges the transition from in-house executive to business owner was not necessarily easy, she says passion for the mission made the challenge worthwhile. “The hustle feels very different when it’s driven by genuine enthusiasm and a deep belief in what you’re building.”
A Law Firm Built for Staffing
Staffing GC serves exclusively as legal counsel to staffing firms, offering support across contracts, employment law, compliance, onboarding documentation, policies, risk management, and fractional general counsel services.
Elliott says staffing firms often seek support during periods of growth or operational complexity. “Expanding into new states, entering new verticals, reviewing complicated customer agreements, or responding to workplace complaints all create legal and compliance challenges,” she explains. “In staffing, the nuances and stakes are even higher.”
That specialized focus is what differentiates Staffing GC in a crowded legal landscape. “We exist to help staffing firms navigate those challenges while continuing to move the business forward.”
An Industry Defined by Community
Despite staffing being a massive industry, Elliott says one thing continues to surprise her: how connected and collaborative the industry feels. “There’s a genuine sense of community,” she says. “For such a large industry, it still has a small-town feel. The camaraderie and willingness to support one another really stands out.”
Marketing Through Education
The relationship-driven environment has also influenced how Staffing GC approaches marketing and business development. Rather than focusing solely on promotion, Elliott says Staffing GC’s marketing strategy centers on education and value creation.
“Our clients are constantly navigating new compliance, regulatory, and political developments,” she says. “We want to provide useful information and practical guidance before they ever need legal services.”
The firm focuses its outreach on industry-specific publications, staffing associations, networking groups, and online staffing communities where staffing leaders already spend time. “When firms need legal counsel or simply want to run something by an attorney, we want our name to already represent trust and credibility,” Elliott says.
Looking Ahead
As Staffing GC continues to grow, Elliott says the focus is not only on expanding the client base, but also deepening the firm’s strategic role with staffing companies. “We want to go beyond traditional legal services,” she says. “That includes compliance strategy, proactive risk consulting, and helping firms grow with confidence instead of reacting to problems after they arise.”
Ultimately, Elliott says Staffing GC was built to fill a critical gap in the industry. “The staffing industry powers the workforce,” she says. “It connects people to opportunity every single day. Staffing firms deserve experienced, industry-specific legal support, and that’s exactly why Staffing GC exists.”