To fill the role of general counsel, law firms typically look for someone with the years of experience needed to confront difficult and potentially costly issues in an unflinching way.

Firm GCs talk of open-door policies and around-the-clock availability—even, for many, while simultaneously trying to build or maintain law practices of their own. It’s a position that’s often occupied by someone who has been doing it for decades, or who otherwise has a wealth of experience and training, which makes sense, but then that raises the issue of finding a replacement.