Focus on: the role of the general counsel

Our role as general counsel is calculated by becoming key assets and decision makers. As in other departments, our contribution is measured in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. As Brian Woram, executive vice president and general counsel, KB Home points out: “To be effective means being someone who is not only a good attorney, but also someone who has an appropriate influence on the overall activities of the business—someone whose advice is sought out and heeded”. Therefore, in this equation we may find that, not only a respectable legal background is required, but also, that developing of relationships within the company and its stakeholders is key. It is also key to navigate the politics inside the company as well as continually acquiring further knowledge of the business. As Harvard Business Review Power expresses in Politics in Organizational Life: “…organisations operate by distributing authority and setting a stage for the exercise of power…” As attorneys we are trained to develop these political skills through our negotiation ability and risk assessment awareness, as well as our legal expertise. To increase or gain more experience in order to understand the business model, it is essential to improve lawyer’s financial vision. A trained legal professional who is able to understand a balance sheet, profit-loss or financial statement can deliver a better legal decision from a business point of view.