Non-Legal Value of General Counsel

Beyond our legal duties, GCs add significant value to their companies in several non-legal areas:

1. Strategic Partner: GCs contribute to the strategic planning process by identifying opportunities and risks that might not be immediately apparent. Their unique perspectives help make decisions aligned with the company’s long-term goals.

2. Crisis Management: In times of crisis, the GC’s role extends to crisis management and communication strategies, ensuring that the company’s response is not only legally sound but also protects its reputation and client trust.

3. Corporate Governance: GCs ensure that corporate governance practices align with best practices, shareholder expectations, and part of the corporate cultural, building the company’s integrity and brand as an ethical company.

4. Ethics and Integrity: By exemplifying ethical conduct, GCs help shape the company’s culture and reputation, to the point where they can make ethical behavior a competitive advantage.

5. Business Continuity: GCs evaluate cybersecurity and other operational risks holistically, considering not just legal compliance but also business continuity, customer trust, and company resilience.

The role of the General Counsel has evolved to blend legal expertise with strategic business sense. By navigating complex regulatory environments with a balanced approach, providing strategic guidance, staying abreast of evolving regulations, and adding value in non-legal areas, GCs play a pivotal role in directing their companies towards long-term success.