For many in-house lawyers, the title of General Counsel (GC) represents the culmination of a career. But what happens once you’ve reached the summit? The view is spectacular, but the most dynamic and impactful leaders soon realise the horizon extends much further.
The role of the GC has evolved from chief legal advisor to a core strategic business partner. This very evolution has created a landscape ripe with opportunities that lie beyond the traditional GC remit. For the ambitious legal professional, the question is no longer "How do I become a GC?" but "What can I become after GC?"
The apex is not the endgame. It’s a launchpad.
The Modern GC: A Profile of a Future C-Suite Leader
Today's successful GCs are already operating at an executive level. They are masters of risk management, regulatory navigation, corporate governance and stakeholder engagement. They possess a unique blend of integrity, strategic foresight, exceptional communication skills and crisis management prowess.
These are not merely legal skills; they are the core competencies of a broad-based C-suite leader. The key is to strategically transition this profile into a next act.
The Established Paths: Stepping into Broader Leadership
Several well-trodden paths demonstrate the versatility of the GC skill set. At Leonid, we have frequently placed former GCs into these roles:
- Chief Compliance & Ethics Officer (CCO/CECO): A natural extension, this role broadens the scope from pure legal compliance to building and overseeing the entire ethical framework of the organisation. It’s a move from advising on the law to shaping the corporate culture itself.
- Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO): For the GC who has demonstrated a knack for process efficiency and managing internal functions. This role often encompasses areas like HR, Real Estate, Security, and Procurement, allowing the legal mind to optimise entire business operations.
- Head of Corporate Development / M&A: The GC who has been the architect of countless deals is perfectly positioned to lead the strategy. Their deep understanding of deal structuring, negotiation, and integration risks makes them a formidable leader in driving organic and inorganic growth.
The Frontier Roles: where the modern GC truly shines
There are also some exciting opportunities emerging at the intersection of law, strategy and global megatrends. This is where the forward-thinking GC can truly redefine their career:
- Chief ESG Officer (CESG): This is a paradigm shift from support function to strategic driver. The GC’s expertise in governance ("the G") is the bedrock. Now, they can expand their mandate to own the entire ESG agenda: overseeing sustainability reporting, human rights due diligence in the supply chain, and crafting the corporate narrative on social impact. For a GC with passion and vision, this is one of the most impactful roles in the modern corporation.
- Chief Risk Officer (CRO): Moving beyond legal risk to own the entire enterprise risk map—from financial and operational to geopolitical and cyber risks. The GC’s analytical and regulatory mind is ideal for creating a holistic, proactive risk management framework for the board.
- Board Director / Professional Director: The ultimate use of a GC’s governance expertise. Stepping into a Board role, either for another company or as a portfolio career, allows a former GC to provide oversight, guide strategy, and safeguard corporate integrity at the highest level.
- President / Chief Executive Officer (CEO): This is the pinnacle. It is rare but increasingly plausible. The GC who has been a true strategic partner to the CEO, who understands the P&L, and who can articulate a compelling vision for the future, possesses the complete toolkit for the top job: especially in highly regulated industries.
Your Career Plan: building the bridge to your next role
Making the leap doesn't happen by accident. It requires intentional career planning.
- Volunteer for the "Non-Legal" Projects: Raise your hand for cross-functional initiatives related to operations, digital transformation, or sustainability. Build your track record and internal network outside the legal department.
- Master the Business, Not Just the Law: Deepen your financial acumen. Understand the drivers of your company’s P&L. Speak the language of the business, not just the language of law.
- Cultivate Your External Profile: Speak at industry conferences on strategic topics, not just legal updates. Write articles that position you as a thought leader on governance, risk, or ESG.
- Find a Mentor (Who Isn’t a Lawyer): Seek guidance from a sitting CEO, COO, or board member. Their perspective on leadership and business strategy will be invaluable.
- Be Intentional with Your Next Move: When considering a new GC role, assess it not just for the legal challenge, but for its potential as a stepping stone. Does it offer exposure to the board? To M&A? To a transformative ESG agenda?
Conclusion
The role of General Counsel does not have to be a final destination; it is a powerful platform from which there are numerous new paths to take, if you wish to. The skills you have honed are in greater demand than ever, across a wider spectrum of leadership. By thinking strategically about your career beyond the legal department, you can transition from supporting the business to leading it, shaping its legacy - and defining its future.
At Leonid Group, we partner with top legal talent to map their leadership journey beyond the traditional path. If you are planning your next strategic career move, please get in touch with Phil Redhead to find out more.
