Surviving and Conquering Your New Role as Corporate Counsel

Changing jobs can be incredibly stressful. Everything you are accustomed to and familiar with changes - from your daily routine and working environment to your colleagues and responsibilities - it’s all brand new once you make the decision to start a new role. According to the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, going through a major change in responsibilities at work is one of the most stressful life events, even higher on the list than in-law troubles, major changes in living conditions, and a child leaving home.

On top of that, taking on a new corporate counsel role presents its own set of unique challenges, whether you’ve been promoted to the role, are joining a new company, or are making the leap from law firm to in-house counsel. Here are some things to keep in mind during this exciting and potentially overwhelming transition.

No matter how you got there, stepping into your new role will likely involve a natural learning curve as you work through speed bumps including:

• Navigating a new corporate structure

• Learning the key players and how they impact your job and vice versa

• Learning how various departments rely on support from you as GC

• Starting to learn the ins and outs of a new industry and/or market

• Understanding the scope of your responsibilities and how you help shape business strategy

• Evaluating your new support team

• Identifying the resources you’ll need to be successful (including the software, from CLM solutions to matter management and e-billing)

• Determining where all of your contracts and agreements are located throughout the company and how to access them

• And much more

Having a plan of action during the early stages of the transition will set you up for success long into the future. 

Download this Guide to learn more about:

• What to expect as a new corporate counsel

• Tips for making the most of the first few months in your new role

• Tools and resources to simplify your daily routine

• Plus an actionable checklist to help you get started

To read more on what to look for as a new corporate counsel, download Surviving and Conquering Your New Role as Corporate Counsel: Tips for a Successful Career Transition.