From GC to law firm leadership: a growing trend

A perspective from Candice Gidney, General Counsel at Chancelight Behavioral Health, Therapy & Education, commenting on how former GCs are reshaping law firm leadership and why this shift is accelerating across the legal industry.

The legal landscape is witnessing a notable shift: law firms are increasingly recruiting General Counsel (GC) from corporate sectors to enrich their industry expertise. This strategic move aligns with the evolving demands of clients seeking nuanced, business-centric legal solutions.​

General Counsel professionals are distinguished by their intelligence, analytical acumen, adaptability, multitasking abilities, and a profound understanding of business operations. Their experience in navigating complex legal and business challenges positions them to offer invaluable perspectives that enhance client service and drive strategic growth.​

A notable example of this trend is Fisher Phillips’s recent expansion of its retail industry offerings. The firm appointed Michael R. Marra, who previously served as Associate General Counsel at Interpublic Group (IPG) in New York, as Co-Regional Managing Partner of its New York office, and Frank Martinez, who served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel Americas for Prada Group USA. Fisher Phillips strengthens its retail sector capabilities by leveraging extensive experience in luxury brand representation and expertise in global retail legal operations, enhancing its ability to address the unique challenges faced by retail clients.

Kingsley Napley bolstered its team by hiring Harry Carter, a former government lawyer who served as General Counsel at 10 Downing Street. This addition aims to strengthen the firm’s public law and regulatory practices. ​

In May 2024, Michael Holston, the former General Counsel at GE, joined Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP as a partner. Holston’s career includes serving as GC at Merck and HP, working as a federal prosecutor, and partnering at other law firms. At Paul Weiss, he focuses on complex transactions, crisis litigation, and government investigations.

In September 2023, Eversheds Sutherland’s alternative legal services arm, Konexo, expanded its offerings to enhance Konexo’s competitive position in the alternative legal services market by hiring three former General Counsels: Hugh Ford, former GC of Intu Properties and Virgin Atlantic’s General Legal Manager; John Bennett, former GC at Bank of Ireland U.K. and COO of legal at Santander; and Stephen Cooke, former Deputy GC and Legal COO at HSBC.

These strategic hires reflect law firms’ recognition of the multifaceted skills General Counsel bring, aligning legal services with the dynamic needs of modern businesses.