Path to GC

If your goal is to be a general counsel, make sure you: 

1. Get experience with SEC and M&A work. Not all but most GCs come from a corporate/securities background. If you don’t have one, make sure you get relevant corporate work. Public companies contend with filings, and private ones need to think about exit strategies.
2. Get broad legal experience like commercial, litigation, employment/exec comp, and IP since the GC role will oversee all these areas.
3. Show business expertise. You need to counsel senior management. Develop a track record showing you understand the business, craft successful strategy, and have good judgment. Also, you should manage a budget and a team.
4. Build relationships with people who can introduce you to the GC job. Power brokers include executives, board members, outside counsel, and VCs. You should also stay in touch with peers at other companies, former colleagues, and classmates as they all can refer you. Grow your reputation as a legal and business leader so you can be top of mind for these people.