In today’s evolving business environment, the role of the General Counsel (GC) has expanded beyond traditional boundaries. Once viewed primarily as a legal advisor, the modern GC is now a key business partner influencing strategy, technology adoption, and enterprise governance. Boards are rethinking what they need from their legal leaders and the expectations have never been higher.
At The PeterSan Group powered by TalentoHC, we see firsthand how the GC role is being reshaped by digital transformation, regulatory complexity, and shifting global priorities. The future belongs to legal leaders who combine legal precision with business fluency and technological insight.
The General Counsel of the past managed risk and ensured compliance. The modern GC drives strategy, enables innovation, and informs growth decisions at the highest level.
Research from Bloomberg Law and EY’s 2025 Legal Department Study highlights that most organizations now expect their GCs to play a central role in corporate transformation, data strategy, and ESG oversight. Boards are asking their GCs to anticipate change, advise on AI adoption, and create governance frameworks that balance opportunity with accountability.
This evolution has turned the GC into a key member of the executive team—a business architect as much as a legal authority.
Technology and AI Are Changing the Legal Mandate
Artificial intelligence, automation, and analytics are redefining what effective legal leadership looks like. A GC who understands how technology impacts compliance, privacy, and corporate governance can deliver measurable business value.
Recent reports from Thomson Reuters and FTI Consulting reveal that legal departments adopting AI-powered tools save hundreds of hours annually while improving decision-making. Yet, fewer than 20% of corporate legal leaders feel fully prepared to manage emerging AI-related risks.
Boards increasingly view technological literacy as essential. The GC is now expected to collaborate with CIOs and data officers, guiding responsible AI integration and protecting the organization from evolving digital risks.
Why Tech-Fluent Legal Teams Drive Growth
Legal departments equipped with technology and data insight are more agile, efficient, and proactive. When the GC and their teams embrace digital tools, they help organizations:
- Accelerate transactions and due diligence cycles
- Improve contract lifecycle management and reduce operational costs
- Anticipate regulatory change instead of reacting to it
- Strengthen governance during global expansion or M&A activity
A tech-fluent legal function enables sustainable growth. At The PeterSan Group powered by TalentoHC, we advise clients to look for leaders who bring both strategic foresight and digital competence—individuals who see technology as an accelerator, not a barrier.
What Boards Expect from the Modern GC
Today’s boards are redefining success for their General Counsel. The most sought-after leaders combine four critical attributes:
Strategic Leadership
Ability to align legal priorities with business objectives and growth initiatives.
Tech & Data Fluency
Comfort with AI governance, analytics, and automation tools shaping the legal landscape.
Operational Excellence
Focus on efficiency, cost optimization, and scalable legal delivery models.
Collaborative Influence
Capacity to engage across departments, manage external counsel effectively, and guide enterprise-wide change.
How This Impacts Legal Recruitment
Recruiting a General Counsel today requires a nuanced approach. Traditional metrics—years of experience or law firm pedigree—no longer tell the full story. The best legal recruiters are evaluating candidates for strategic mindset, cross-functional collaboration, and digital fluency.
At The PeterSan Group, powered by TalentoHC, our legal search experts have supported Fortune 500 companies, Am Law 200 firms, and high-growth enterprises in identifying transformative legal leaders. Through our proven methodology and expansive network of more than 500,000 professionals, we match organizations with GCs who not only manage risk but also drive value creation.
Redefining the GC for the Future
The modern General Counsel is no longer confined to the legal department. They are a catalyst for innovation, a guardian of governance, and a trusted voice in shaping business strategy. As boards continue to redefine the role, legal recruitment must evolve in parallel—prioritizing leaders who are strategic, tech-savvy, and globally aware.
If your organization is ready to find a legal leader who can guide growth and navigate complexity, The PeterSan Group powered by TalentoHC is here to help.
Find the right legal leader to drive your organization forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are boards redefining the role of the General Counsel?
Boards are expanding the expectations of the General Counsel (GC) because today’s business landscape demands legal leaders who can guide strategic decision-making, oversee risk in real time, and navigate emerging technologies like AI. The GC is no longer viewed solely as a legal advisor but as a strategic architect who helps shape business growth, digital transformation, and governance frameworks.
How has the General Counsel role evolved in recent years?
The General Counsel’s responsibilities have evolved from managing compliance and litigation to influencing enterprise-wide strategy. Modern GCs engage in ESG oversight, data governance, M&A strategy, and AI risk management. They partner with CEOs and boards to balance innovation with accountability, reflecting the growing integration of legal insight into business leadership.
What skills define the modern General Counsel?
The modern GC blends traditional legal expertise with strategic, digital, and operational acumen. Key skills include:
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Business Strategy Alignment – Translating legal priorities into business impact.
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Technology Fluency – Understanding AI, automation, and data analytics.
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Leadership & Collaboration – Building cross-functional relationships.
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Governance Expertise – Managing regulatory, reputational, and ethical risks.
These attributes enable GCs to act as trusted advisors who drive value creation and organizational agility.
How does AI impact the responsibilities of the General Counsel?
AI introduces both opportunities and challenges for legal leaders. On one hand, it automates routine tasks and provides predictive insights; on the other, it raises questions around data ethics, bias, and regulatory compliance. The modern GC must establish governance frameworks for AI use, collaborate with CIOs and data officers, and ensure that innovation aligns with legal and ethical standards.
What are boards looking for when hiring a General Counsel today?
Boards seek General Counsel candidates who demonstrate a balance of legal expertise, commercial understanding, and technological awareness. The ideal GC can:
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Contribute to business strategy and growth planning.
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Oversee AI governance and data security.
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Lead with transparency and adaptability.
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Build agile, tech-enabled legal teams.
These leaders are viewed as partners in driving performance and ensuring sustainable corporate governance.
How is legal recruitment changing in response to these new expectations?
Legal recruitment has shifted from emphasizing tenure and pedigree to prioritizing strategic mindset, cross-functional influence, and digital literacy. Executive search firms like The PeterSan Group, powered by TalentoHC now assess candidates for their ability to navigate complexity, integrate technology, and deliver measurable business outcomes alongside legal excellence.
What can organizations do to prepare their legal departments for the future?
Organizations should invest in digital transformation, legal technology, and leadership development. Building multidisciplinary teams that include expertise in data analytics, AI, and cybersecurity strengthens legal agility. Partnering with specialized legal recruiters can help identify forward-thinking GCs who can lead through disruption and innovation.
How does The PeterSan Group powered by TalentoHC support companies in recruiting modern GCs?
The PeterSan Group, powered by TalentoHC, combines deep market insight with an extensive talent network to connect organizations with transformative legal leaders. Their team evaluates candidates on strategic foresight, technological fluency, and cultural alignment—ensuring each placement supports long-term business growth and governance excellence.
Learn more about The PeterSan Group, powered by TalentoHC’s expertise →
What does the future hold for the General Counsel role?
The General Counsel of the future will serve as both legal guardian and innovation strategist—a central figure in shaping business direction, managing AI ethics, and guiding sustainable governance. As boards continue to elevate expectations, the GC’s influence on corporate success will only deepen.
