When and how to move to a General Counsel role
We are often asked the question, when is the right time to make the jump to a General Counsel role, and what is the best way to pursue these opportunities? Deciding whether you’re ready to step into a General Counsel position is a significant milestone in your legal career. It requires not only technical expertise but also a broader set of leadership and strategic capabilities. Below are some key factors to consider when evaluating your readiness and planning your next move.
Assessing your readiness
Legal expertise and experience
To succeed as a General Counsel, you’ll need a solid foundation of legal experience. This typically includes a broad understanding of legal issues relevant to your industry or organisation, as well as deep expertise in areas such as contracts, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and litigation. Employers will look for candidates who can demonstrate sound judgement and a track record of managing complex legal matters.
Leadership and management skills
A General Counsel is not just a legal advisor—they are also a leader. You’ll be expected to manage a legal team, influence senior stakeholders, and contribute to the organisation’s strategic direction. If you’ve already taken on leadership roles, whether formally or informally, consider how you’ve developed and supported others, managed workloads, and built team culture.
Business acumen
Understanding the business is critical. A General Counsel must be able to align legal strategy with commercial objectives, anticipate risks, and advise on decisions that impact the bottom line. This means having a strong grasp of how your organisation operates, its goals, and the wider market context in which it functions.
Strategic thinking
General Counsels are expected to look ahead. You’ll need to anticipate legal and regulatory developments, assess potential risks, and help shape the organisation’s response. Strategic thinking also involves knowing when to escalate issues, how to prioritise resources, and how to balance legal risk with commercial opportunity.
Communication skills
You’ll be communicating complex legal issues to non-legal stakeholders, including board members, executives, and employees. The ability to translate legal advice into clear, actionable guidance is essential. Strong communication also means being able to influence, negotiate, and build trust across the business.
Personal readiness
Finally, consider your own motivations and values. Are you ready to take on the responsibility and visibility that comes with the role? Does the General Counsel path align with your long-term career goals? It’s important to reflect on what you want from your next move and whether the timing is right.
Steps to help you secure a General Counsel role
Build your legal expertise
Continue to deepen your legal knowledge across a range of areas. Exposure to different types of work—whether regulatory, commercial, or contentious—will help you develop the breadth required for a General Counsel role. Attending industry conferences or pursuing specialist training can also enhance your profile.
Gain leadership experience
Seek out opportunities to lead, whether through managing junior lawyers, heading up projects, or taking on roles within professional organisations. Demonstrating your ability to lead and influence others will be key when applying for senior positions.
Expand your network
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to uncover opportunities. Attend industry events, join relevant associations, and build relationships with recruiters who specialise in senior legal appointments. These connections can offer valuable insights and open doors to future roles.
Develop your commercial understanding
Take time to understand your organisation’s business model, financial drivers, and strategic priorities. Read industry publications, engage with commercial colleagues, and stay informed about broader market trends. This will help you position yourself as a commercially minded legal advisor.
Seek mentorship
Learning from those who’ve already made the transition can be invaluable. Reach out to experienced General Counsels or senior legal professionals who can offer guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate the path forward.
Consider further education
An executive degree, such as an MBA or a leadership-focused legal qualification, can help you build the business and strategic skills needed for a General Counsel role. While not essential, it can be a differentiator in a competitive market.
Prepare for the application process
When applying, make sure your CV and cover letter clearly highlight your legal expertise, leadership experience, and commercial acumen. Be ready to articulate your value proposition in interviews, with examples that demonstrate your readiness to step into a General Counsel role. See our CV and interview guide.
Remember that pursuing a General Counsel role is a significant career move that requires careful consideration and preparation. Take the time to build your expertise and network, seek out mentorship and advice, and prepare yourself for the application process to give yourself the best chance of success.
If you would like to discuss pursuing an in-house legal role or would just like some general market or career advice, contact Nikki Newton.
