The General Counsel (GC) or Head of Legal is the strategic leader of the legal function. This role is not simply about legal expertise - it is about vision, influence, and the ability to orchestrate a high-performing legal team that delivers measurable value to the business.

On the Human Capital Line, this station is pivotal. The GC sets the tone, defines the culture, and determines how effectively the legal team’s human capital is deployed. A strong GC creates clarity, purpose, and alignment. A weak GC leaves lawyers directionless, reactive, and underutilised.

The GC must balance legal risk with commercial agility, manage internal client relationships, and ensure that the legal team is structured, resourced, and empowered to perform. This requires leadership skills that go far beyond technical legal knowledge - it demands strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and operational discipline.

Ultimately, the GC is the architect of legal team success. Their ability to lead, inspire, and align determines whether the legal function is a cost centre or a strategic asset.

The scope of the General Counsel / Head of Legal role typically includes:

◼️Strategic Leadership – Defining legal’s role in business strategy and transformation.

◼️Team Management – Building, mentoring, and structuring the legal team.

◼️Business Planning – Setting the biz plan for the legal team and how its resources will be tasked and managed.

◼️Stakeholder Engagement – Managing relationships with the Board, C-suite, and internal clients.

◼️Risk Oversight – Setting the legal risk appetite and escalation protocols.

◼️Performance Management – Establishing KPIs and accountability frameworks.

◼️Legal Operations Oversight – Driving efficiency, automation, and process improvement.

◼️External Counsel Governance – Managing external legal spend and relationships.

◼️Culture & Morale – Creating an environment where legal talent can thrive.

In GLS legal ops speak – the General Counsel is considered a “Foundational” resource within the process ecosystem of an in-house legal team.

The Foundational Resource is a CRE that is responsible for determining the overall performance capabilities of a “critical” legal function. If it is not optimised, the function can never be optimised. 

The best practice features of the General Counsel / Head of Legal role are as follows:

◼️Board-Level Influence – Recognised as a strategic advisor to the executive team.

◼️Clear Legal Mandate – Operates within a defined and approved authority framework.

◼️Team Empowerment – Delegates effectively and supports professional development.

◼️Operational Discipline – Implements systems for workload, performance, and service delivery.

◼️Client-Centric Mindset – Builds strong relationships with internal stakeholders.

◼️Transformation Leadership – Champions innovation and continuous improvement.

◼️Morale Stewardship – Actively protects lawyer wellbeing and engagement.

◼️Data-Driven Decision Making – Uses metrics to guide strategy and resource allocation.

The General Counsel / Head of Legal delivers the following value to the Business:

◼️Strategic Legal Input – Legal is embedded in business decision-making.

◼️Faster Risk Resolution – Clear escalation paths and decisive leadership.

◼️Improved Governance – Strong oversight of legal and compliance matters.

◼️Cost Efficiency – Optimised use of internal and external legal resources.

◼️Enhanced Reputation – Legal is seen as a trusted, proactive business partner.

For the legal team, the GC provides:

◼️Clarity of Purpose – A defined mission and strategic direction.

◼️Empowerment – Authority and autonomy to perform effectively.

◼️Professional Development – Opportunities for growth and advancement.

◼️Morale & Culture – A supportive environment that values contribution.

◼️Operational Structure – Systems that enable focus and reduce chaos.

The General Counsel / Head of Legal station is essential for:

◼️Legal Department Leadership

◼️In-House Counsel

◼️Legal Operations Teams

◼️HR & Talent Managers

◼️Executive Management

◼️Risk & Compliance Officers

◼️Internal Audit Functions

A legal team operating without a strong General Counsel / Head of Legal will face a wide range of inefficiencies including:

◼️Lack of strategic alignment with the business

◼️Poor morale and high turnover

◼️Ineffective resource allocation

◼️Inconsistent legal advice and service delivery

◼️Weak stakeholder relationships

◼️Missed opportunities for legal transformation

While the General Counsel / Head of Legal role is not a technology product, it impacts and enables technology adoption:

◼️Legal Ops Platforms – GC leadership drives implementation and optimisation.

◼️Performance Dashboards – Used to track legal team KPIs and service levels.

◼️Collaboration Tools – Facilitates cross-functional engagement and communication.

◼️Training Portals – Supports professional development and onboarding.

◼️Budgeting Systems – Enables oversight of legal spend and resource planning.

Technology is a tool—but only effective under strong leadership.