The role of General Counsel has traditionally focused on legal risk management, compliance, and providing reactive legal advice. However, in today's complex business environment, this narrow scope is no longer sufficient. General Counsels are increasingly expected to be proactive partners in business strategy, contributing insights that go beyond legal matters to drive organizational success and innovation.
To transition into strategic advisors, General Counsels must expand their skill sets and perspective. This involves developing a deep understanding of the business, its industry, and emerging trends. They need to cultivate strong relationships across the organization, participate in high-level decision-making processes, and learn to communicate legal concepts in business terms. By doing so, General Counsels can help shape company strategy, identify new opportunities, and provide valuable input on everything from mergers and acquisitions to digital transformation initiatives.
Agenda
Evolution of the General Counsel role
Developing business acumen, industry expertise, and the ability to translate legal concepts into business terms
Building cross-organizational relationships and participating in high-level decision-making