The role of today’s chief legal officer (CLO) has evolved into that of both a strategic contributor and senior executive. In fact, the ACC Chief Legal Officers 2019 Survey found that 78% of U.S. CLOs and 93% of Fortune 500 CLOs report directly to their company’s top executive. Further, over 75% provide input on business decisions to executive leaders including the CEO and board.

But as expectations for CLOs ratchet up, how can those legal leaders be successful balancing necessary team management work with the need to meet and exceed responsibilities at the leadership table? Dividing time between “four faces”—guardian, operator, catalyst and strategist—may help.

screenshot of graphic “The 4 faces of the chief legal officer”

The Four Faces of the CLO