In-House Interrogatory

Asked: Our weekly question to the In-House community

Succession planning is a tough task for any company, and an article Corporate Counsel talks about a general counsel’s role in planning a leadership transition.

General counsels said it is important to be active in the planning process and build a strong relationship with the company’s board so when the new CEO takes over, good working relationships are already in place.

“The role of the general counsel in CEO succession planning is to make sure the board has processes in place that are adequate to address it,” one general counsel told Corporate Counsel.

Another in-house attorney said a GC should be there for support for the new CEO as he or she faces the difficult task of taking over the leading role in a company.

So, here’s our question for you:

What role, if any, should a general counsel play in succession planning?

Leave a comment below or email me.

Need to Know:

• The former general counsel at the Federal Communications Commission headed to Google.
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• The Portland Trail Blazers’ general counsel resigned.
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• Some in-house counsels suggested bringing associates along when pitching new clients.

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