As I approach my final days with the Association of Corporate Counsel, I have been going through old files, reviewing notes from past speeches and remembering the hundreds of legal industry events I have attended around the world. While much has changed over the past 20 years, there exists an undeniable continuity in the manner in which in-house counsel have contributed to the success of their employers over the years.
Much has been written about what makes a “great in-house lawyer,” and in the midst of packing up my files, I was struck by the advice ACC’s predecessor provided nearly 30 years ago. In 1983, what was then the “American Corporate Counsel Association” presented a program entitled, “Introduction to Inside Practice,” a precursor to today’s Corporate Counsel University (CCU). During one of the sessions, the speaker shared his insights based on responses to the question “What is the one piece of advice you would give an attorney new to in-house practice?” The advice given in 1983 still resonates clearly today:
“Think before you speak.”
“Learn the business and try to be as practical as possible in your advice.”
“[You] must make that initial effort to understand the client’s business, its customers, products, sales and competitors.”
“You need to be visible — go to sales meetings, staff meetings, lunches and anything else you can manage.”
“Keep your eyes and ears open — be patient; it takes time to learn your client, but you have to do it.”
“Where there is change, there is opportunity.” And my personal favorite,
“Don’t be an ***hole.”
As I reviewed the course materials, it became clear that the program sought to develop the very skills and traits that remain vital for outstanding corporate counsel today (many of which I referenced during a brief video discussion on Leadership). These include:
- solid legal knowledge and appreciation for educational training;
- sound judgment;
- impeccable integrity;
- strategic vision;
- leadership — specifically, recognizing good people and bringing out the best in them;
- recognition of our obligation to help those less fortunate through pro bono and community service;
- sense of humor;
- staying on top of technological advancements;
- intent focus on helping their companies to save time, money and effort; and
- ability to adapt to change.
While the advice provided — and the desirable skill sets identified — remain valid today, over the years, in-house counsel have honed and perfected their skills to adapt to changing environments and economic conditions. In-house legal departments have grown dramatically in the past 20 years, and the changing regulatory environments, increased attention on risk management and corporate compliance scrutiny have placed heavy demands on in-house counsel. The changes that have occurred have also propelled in-house counsel to move into a more strategic role within their organizations.
As Winston Churchill once stated, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” As in-house continue to excel and succeed, I am confident that they will adapt to overcome the new, as well as the old, legal and business challenges they face every day.