Professional development
Explore the general counsel hub
In today’s fast-evolving legal and business landscape, professional development is not just beneficial—it’s essential for General Counsel (GCs).
Professional development experiences are instrumental for general counsel, whether they ascend internally or are recruited externally. Both routes necessitate a robust foundation of legal expertise, managerial acumen, and strategic vision.
Sharpening legal leadership
Professional development is crucial for General Counsel to stay current with legal trends, sharpen their skills, and enhance their effectiveness in their roles. These may include formal leadership training, continuing legal education and participation in industry associations. Such initiatives cultivate critical competencies such as legal acumen, leadership prowess, business acumen, communication skills, and emotional intelligence, all of which are indispensable for effective general counsel leadership.
Ongoing professional development enables general counsel to stay abreast of evolving legal trends, regulatory changes, and best practices, thereby enhancing a GC’s ability to anticipate risks, seize opportunities, and drive organisational success.
Here are some key areas to focus on:
Continued Legal Education (CLE)
GC’s must stay up-to-date with changes in laws and regulations relevant to their industry. Participating in CLE programs ensures you have the latest legal knowledge and skills. It’s also important to gain understanding in areas outside your current specialisations, including areas like cybersecurity, ESG, or international law.
Leadership and executive training
General Counsel often serve as leaders within their organisations, guiding legal strategy and managing legal teams. Leadership training programs can help them develop essential skills such as communication, decision-making, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution.
Executive education programs
Many business schools offer executive education programs tailored to the needs of legal professionals. These programs cover topics such as business strategy, finance, and management, providing General Counsel with a broader understanding of the business context in which they operate.
Industry-specific conferences
Joining legal associations and attending conferences and seminars allows GCs to network with peers, gain insights into industry-specific legal issues, and stay informed about emerging trends and best practices. Another area to consider is participating in GC roundtables or peer forums to exchange insights.
Mentorship and coaching programs
Working with a mentor or coach can provide GCs with valuable guidance and feedback as they navigate their careers and tackle challenging legal issues. And working as a mentor for junior legal professionals to refine leadership and communication skills.
Crisis management exercises
Given their responsibilities for managing legal risks, General Counsel should participate in crisis management exercises to prepare for potential emergencies and develop effective response plans.
Cross-functional collaboration
Collaborating with colleagues from other departments, such as finance, human resources, and operations, can broaden a General Counsel’s understanding of the business and help them align legal strategies with overall organisational goals.
Board and governance experience
Serving on a board or advisory committees will enable General Counsel to gain a broader governance perspective. General Counsel can learn about board dynamics, risk oversight, and shareholder engagement.
Professional associations and networking events
Participating in global legal forums, subscribing to international legal publications, and collaborating with legal teams in different regions can help maintain a robust understanding of global regulatory landscapes.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training
GCs play a vital role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations. DEI training can help them understand unconscious bias, develop inclusive leadership skills, and implement strategies to create more diverse and equitable workplaces.
Legal technology training
As technology continues to play a significant role in the practice of law, GCs can benefit from training on legal technology tools and platforms that streamline legal operations, improve efficiency, and enhance collaboration.
By continually investing in professional growth and development, GC’s can effectively navigate the complexities of the legal landscape, foster a culture of compliance and ethics, and ultimately contribute to the sustained prosperity of the organisation.