On the Job

On the Job

How to Best Position Yourself for the Top Legal Job

How to Best Position Yourself for the Top Legal Job

Making the move from deputy general counsel to general counsel is a huge and difficult leap due to limited positions amidst a crowded competitive field of potential candidates from both within the company and outside the company. Christopher Williams, director of in-house counsel recruiting and board services teams at Major, Lindsey & Africa, advises aspiring general counsel on how to best position themselves for the top job with the following:

GC Searches Veer Away From Internal Hires, Upending In-House Promotion Tracks

GC Searches Veer Away From Internal Hires, Upending In-House Promotion Tracks

About two-thirds of companies fill general counsel positions with external candidates, which shows a changing trend in in-house legal department hiring practices. The reasoning typically cited for searching for candidates outside the company is that counsel already in-house lack leadership skills or business acumen, according to John Gilmore of BarkerGilmore, a company that assists companies in finding general counsel. 

<strong>5 Day-to-Day Factors That Make Work a Grind: A Partner’s Guide to Revitalizing Work</strong>

<strong>5 Day-to-Day Factors That Make Work a Grind: A Partner’s Guide to Revitalizing Work</strong>

No matter your position in a law firm; leading a department, overseeing a matter, interfacing with the client, or simply delegating tasks to colleagues, you are wearing the manager’s hat. No matter your title, if you’re asking anyone to pitch in, you’re in the management business. In embracing this role in the firm, you acknowledge the unwritten contract to not only manage work but also to manage morale, motivation, and how your team members find purpose and satisfaction in their endeavors.

Anticipating Annual Reviews: Advocating for Your Advancement

Anticipating Annual Reviews: Advocating for Your Advancement

For many lawyers, after your first two years as a practicing lawyer, it quickly becomes apparent that you are not going to get the same level of feedback on your work product and developing skills that you did in law school or during your first year as a lawyer.