Deputy General Counsel dynamics: balancing legal and leadership responsibilities

Ekumene Lysonge, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at NerdWallet, shares key strategies for Deputy GCs to elevate their roles, influence decisions and drive legal team success.

Rising to the position of Deputy General Counsel (DGC) is a significant milestone in a legal career. This role, often considered the number two spot in the corporate legal hierarchy, demands a unique blend of legal expertise and leadership skills. For DGCs aspiring to advance, understanding the dynamics of this role is crucial. Let’s explore the key duties and responsibilities that will help you excel and make a lasting impact.

1. Strategic Legal Guidance

As a DGC, you’ll be expected to provide strategic legal advice that aligns with the company’s business objectives. This involves:

• Deep Understanding of Business Goals: Align legal strategies with the company’s vision and objectives. This requires a thorough understanding of the business landscape and industry trends.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate legal risks. Develop comprehensive risk management frameworks to protect the company’s interests.
• Innovative Solutions: Think creatively to solve complex legal challenges. Offer innovative legal solutions that drive business growth and compliance.

2. Leadership and Team Development

Leadership is at the core of the DGC role. You must inspire and develop your legal team to achieve excellence:

• Mentorship and Coaching: Guide junior lawyers by sharing your knowledge and experience. Foster a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Team Empowerment: Empower your team to take ownership of their work. Delegate effectively and trust your team to deliver results.
• Inclusive Leadership: Promote diversity and inclusion within the legal department. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives and drive better decision-making.

“Offer innovative legal solutions that drive business growth and compliance.”

3. Regulatory and Compliance Oversight 

Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations is a critical responsibility for a DGC:

• Policy Development: Develop and implement robust compliance policies and procedures. Ensure that these policies are regularly updated to reflect changes in the legal landscape.
• Training and Education: Conduct training sessions for employees on legal and compliance matters. Promote a culture of compliance throughout the organisation.
• Regulatory Monitoring: Stay abreast of regulatory changes and assess their impact on the company. Advise the leadership team on necessary actions to maintain compliance.

4. Executive Collaboration and Influence

As a DGC, you’ll work closely with the executive team, influencing key business decisions:

• Executive Advising: Provide strategic legal counsel to the C-suite and board of directors. Your insights will be crucial in shaping the company’s strategic direction.
• Decision-Making Influence: Use your legal expertise to influence major business decisions. Ensure that legal considerations are at the forefront of strategic planning.
• Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including regulators, external counsel, and industry bodies. Represent the company’s legal interests effectively.

5. Driving Legal Department Excellence

Leading the legal department to achieve operational excellence is a key responsibility:

• Process Improvement: Continuously seek ways to improve legal processes and workflows. Implement technologies and practices that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Performance Metrics: Develop and monitor performance metrics for the legal department. Use data-driven insights to drive improvements and demonstrate value.
• Budget Management: Oversee the legal department’s budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources. Balance cost management with the need for high-quality legal support.

In conclusion, becoming a Deputy General Counsel is challenging yet rewarding. By mastering strategic legal guidance, leadership, cross-functional collaboration, regulatory oversight, executive influence, and driving departmental excellence, you’ll be well-prepared to step into this pivotal role. Embrace these dynamics with confidence, and you’ll not only advance your career but also significantly contribute to your organisation’s success.

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