64% of current GCs say their input on business issues is always sought and respected. This level of influence drops off among managing counsel (49%) and senior counsel (37%), highlighting how trust and credibility, particularly with CEOs and boards, are key to ascending the legal leadership ladder.
Companies appear to be exercising greater discretion in GC compensation planning, even as they lean more heavily on that role to guide strategic decisions through turbulent times. Surprisingly, staying in the same role long-term doesn’t always correlate with upward mobility. In fact, 57% of current general counsel have held their position for five years or less, while only 13% have stayed in the role for over a decade. This pattern suggests timely moves, whether through internal promotions or external opportunities, can be a key driver of career advancement. However, meaningful professional growth and increased economic rewards require more than technical legal skills. It calls for intention, focus, and the ability to establish credibility across the organization. Legal professionals at all levels of the organization must consistently demonstrate their value beyond the legal silo by engaging in cross-functional collaboration, communicating clearly, and leading with influence. BACK TO CONTENTS
While the path to general counsel is rarely linear, it is increasingly attainable for those who commit to pairing legal acumen with business savvy. Strategic thinking, a growth mindset, and the patience to build influence over time can position in-house counsel not just as legal experts, but as integral architects of their companies’ success.
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@TodaysGC Katie Gilmore is a Managing Director at BarkerGilmore, a top legal recruiting firm for in-house counsel and compliance talent, where she specializes in recruiting senior-level in-house counsel and compliance professionals for a diverse range of clients, including publicly traded Fortune 500 companies, private equity-backed businesses, and mission-driven non-profits. She can be reached at kgilmore@barkergilmore.com.
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