A general counsel, chief counsel, or chief legal officer (CLO) is the chief lawyer of a legal department, usually in a company or a governmental department.
Typical Responsibilities:
Provide expert and strategic legal advice to management
Set internal governance policies and manage the impact of external factors
Evaluate and weigh multiple inputs and impacts of any decision or course of action
Anticipate issues and estimate risks strategically
Identify proactive solutions that will eliminate or mitigate risks
Base your decision making process on ethics and integrity
Create associations of trust and respect with key stakeholders
Deal with external parties (regulators, external counsel, politicians, clients)
Attract, develop, direct, motivate and drive performance from team
Draft agreements that minimize risks and maximize legal rights
Meet legal objectives
Keep abreast of legislative changes
Typical requirements:
Overall broad legal knowledge (corporate law, litigation, employment law etc)
In-depth understanding of how legal issues affect organisations
Ability to develop legal strategy and objectives
Well-versed in how business operate with financial acumen
High degree of professional ethics, integrity and gravitas
Excellent judgement and analytical skill
First class interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to anticipate legal issues or risks and to “see around the corner”
BSc degree in Law or J.D. degree (MA or BSc in Business Administration will be considered an asset).
Admitted to practice and hold a current unrestricted practicing certificate
