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I N S I D E
G C
P
13
HOW TO
BE ‘CHIEF
EXECUTIVE’
OF YOUR OWN
CAREER
Although many in-house
lawyers aspire to the top
position, some find that
on achieving the much
coveted GC role, the
overwhelming emotion is
disappointment.
This is exacerbated by
today’s climate where the
role of GC is more complicated
than ever before. Ben
Heineman, former GC of
General Electric, advocates
looking at the role as if you
have a one day contract. You
will change, what you do will
change, even the company
itself may change out of all
recognition.
Those who are most driven
to push for the top role –
natural high achievers – may
well end up being the most
disenchanted once it is
achieved.
For general counsel this may
mean aspiring to move up the
food chain to a bigger company
or it may even mean aiming
for growth outside of the legal
arena.
P
34
FROM CLIENT
TO COLLEAGUE
Three lawyers at UK rail
infrastructure company
Network Rail discuss the recent
restructure of the legal team and
subsequent drive to integrate
members with the business.
The restructure saw legal
move from a centralised
function run along practice
area lines, to a devolved,
cross-disciplinary structure
following the ten Network
Rail Routes.
The legal team built
its profile within the
company by spending
time with other key
areas of the business.
This ‘virtuous circle’
allows the business to
understand what legal do
and vice versa so that
working together is more
natural and effective.
Spending time with the
business often includes literally
being on the ground and
visiting projects. The legal
team can see the reality of
what it advises on and can
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