In a growing trend across sectors, business leaders are drawing on the strategic advisory role of their chief legal officers. This pattern is becoming especially notable in law firms, where general counselattorneys are increasingly claiming a spot in high-level executive deliberations.
The following insights were gleaned from a recent article by Michele Gorman, published on Law360. At Clark Hill, for instance, their recently-appointed chief legal officer engages in monthly leadership meetings, contributing to discussions on potential law firm mergers. Having this legal perspective at the decision-making table can help firms predict and manage unexpected hiccups, should the venture proceed.
These changing dynamics within law firm structures underscore the widening role of general counsel – they are no longer limited to dealing solely with their firm’s legal issues, but they are also expected to contribute to high-stakes strategic and business decision making. As more law firms follow suit, chief legal officers are bound to carry increasing weight in shaping their organizations’ futures.