{"id":118129,"date":"2026-03-19T09:30:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T09:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.taylorroot.com\/?p=118129"},"modified":"2026-03-19T09:31:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T09:31:13","slug":"how-heads-of-legal-can-progress-to-general-counsel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taylorroot.com\/nl\/career-advice\/how-heads-of-legal-can-progress-to-general-counsel\/","title":{"rendered":"Stepping up: How heads of legal can progress into the general counsel role"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The transition from head of legal to general counsel (GC) has become an increasingly significant career step within organisations. While both roles require extensive legal expertise, the GC position carries a broader strategic remit, encompassing enterprise-wide risk management, governance oversight and senior leadership responsibilities. As organisations face heightened regulatory expectations, operational complexity and evolving commercial pressures, recruiting in\u2011house legal<\/a> leadership at GC level has become a critical consideration in shaping organisational resilience and long\u2011term direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although many heads of legal already lead substantial legal teams and manage complex advisory work, the GC role demands a shift in perspective. It requires the ability to operate as part of the executive leadership team, contribute to strategic decision making and provide a cohesive view of legal, regulatory and governance risks. As expectations of the in-house legal function continue to expand, so too has the profile of the GC within corporate structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also: What is the difference between a GC and a chief legal officer?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evolving expectations of the General Counsel role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The GC role has developed considerably over the past decade. Historically, many organisations recruited a head of legal<\/a> as the senior legal authority, with responsibilities focused primarily on legal advisory work and team management. However, as regulatory frameworks have expanded and business models have become more complex, organisations increasingly require a senior legal leader who can provide integrated oversight of legal risk, compliance, governance and ethical standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This evolution has positioned the GC as a key strategic adviser to the board and executive team. The role now extends beyond legal analysis to include broader responsibilities such as enterprise risk management, corporate governance, ESG oversight, crisis response and cultural leadership. For heads of legal seeking to progress, understanding this expanded remit is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Developing a strategic, business-focused mindset<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A defining characteristic of the GC role is its integration into the organisation\u2019s strategic agenda. While heads of legal typically focus on legal risk and operational delivery, GCs are expected to understand the organisation\u2019s commercial drivers, market dynamics and long-term objectives. This requires the ability to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n