In the evolving landscape of corporate law, the role of a general counsel is transforming from being perceived solely as a legal expert to a pivotal business leader. In an article discussed on Bloomberg Law, Tom Dunlop, CEO and Founder of Summize, articulates the importance of developing a personal brand internally within an organization for general counsel.
The stereotype of lawyers as risk-averse can often lead to them being seen as impediments rather than facilitators in business dealings. In-house counsel must counter these perceptions by building a personal brand that positions them as indispensable strategic partners. Dunlop proposes a series of strategies to help achieve this transformation.
- Think commercially, not cautiously: Moving beyond the traditional focus on legal risks, general counsel should ask commercially oriented questions that foster business relationships and growth. This mindset promotes business priorities and aligns legal considerations with corporate objectives.
- Employ empathy as a leadership tool: General counsel should use their high emotional intelligence not just in negotiations with third parties but also in internal communications. By relating legal risks to stakeholders’ interests, they can create more relevant and engaging discussions, thus fostering trust and collaboration.
- Be your own champion: Promoting one’s role in facilitating significant business objectives helps break down the stereotype of the lawyer as merely a legal functionary. Instead, it highlights the general counsel’s contribution to the company’s strategic goals and establishes them as key players in business decisions.
- Learn your company inside and out: By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations and key metrics, general counsel can better align their legal strategies with the business’s strategic aims. Immersing in different departmental functions enhances their ability to guide commercial conversations effectively.
The integrated approach propounded by Dunlop is designed to elevate the role of general counsel beyond the confines of legal advisement. By aligning more closely with an organization’s strategic goals and reinforcing business acumen, in-house legal teams can redefine their status within the corporate hierarchy. This alignment not only emphasizes their role as a legal advisor but also as an enabler of business development and growth, making their presence indispensable in steering the company’s future direction.