Chaka Patterson, Partner at Alston & Bird explains how the CLO title redefines a legal leader’s influence.
“It’s just semantics.”
That’s what people say when they don’t realise how much power is packed into a title.
But when it comes to Chief Legal Officer vs. General Counsel, the difference is anything but semantic.
Here’s why it matters and why you should care:
1. The Title Reflects Your Role in the C-Suite
“General Counsel” often signals a brilliant legal advisor, protector of the company, master of risk and compliance.
But “Chief Legal Officer”? That’s someone who doesn’t just advise – they lead. A CLO is a peer to the CFO, COO, and CHRO.
They shape strategy. They sit at the table where business decisions are made – not just invited in after the fact to clean them up.
2. CLO Means You’re Measured Differently
Gaining the C-level title often changes how your performance is evaluated. A GC may be judged by how well they manage risk. A CLO? By how well they align legal with business outcomes. That subtle shift expands influence, budget, and impact.
3. It Sends a Signal to the Market
To investors, regulators, and stakeholders, a Chief Legal Officer signals that the legal function is viewed as strategic – not just a cost centre. That matters in IPOs, earnings calls, board presentations, and more.
4. It’s a Career Accelerator
For rising legal stars, it sets the trajectory. If you want to grow into COO or even CEO one day, CLO is a clearer stepping stone. It says you’re more than legal – you’re an enterprise leader.
5. Words Create Reality
People treat you based on what they call you. When you hold the “chief” title, your voice carries farther. You’re not the lawyer in the room – you’re an executive who happens to be a lawyer.
Bottom line:
The difference between General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer is more than branding.
It’s about authority. Access. Influence. And how the business sees legal – as a function within the company or a partner leading alongside it.
If you’re a GC aspiring to be a strategic force in your organisation, maybe it’s time to update your title.
Not because it changes who you are.
But because it might finally reflect who you’ve already become.
About the author:
Chaka M. Patterson is a Partner at Alston & Bird in the Chicago office where he concentrates his practice on complex financial litigation and internal investigations. Chaka also engages with Chief Executive and Chief Legal Officers as an advisor and executive coach. Prior to joining the firm, Chaka has served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Adtalem Global Education – a public $4 billion market cap company. Earlier in his career, Chaka served as Treasurer & Head of Investor Relations at Exelon Corporation – a public $30 billion public utility holding company. Chaka holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. For more details, please click here.
Chaka Patterson
Email: chaka.patterson@alston.com
Be part of a growing global community committed to advancing in-house legal leadership.
Othman Azzouzi, Head of Legal at Network International in Morocco, shares the lessons he has learned negotiating across markets and cultures. I have spent years...
Learn more about Negotiation dynamics: the subtle power of intent
Aleksandra Polak, Assistant General Counsel at Billtrust in USA, explains how Legal becomes a core driver of global SaaS expansion – shaping revenue, enabling scale,...