What Is a Career in General Counsel Like? In Conversation with a General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer

On the show today we meet Katie! Katie works as a General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer in the investment management industry in the UK.  

Katie kindly shares with us: 

• Common misconceptions of the general counsel role 
• An overview of the investment management industry 
• The purpose of the general counsel role 
• An overview of the typical roles within an in-house legal department 
• What a general counsel does on an average day 
• Most enjoyable parts of the role 
• Challenging parts of the role 
• Proudest moments in the role 
• How Katie became a general counsel from aspiring vicar  
• Highs of the career journey  
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Importance of role models and mentors  
• Helpful education, training and skills for aspiring legal professionals   
• The future of the legal profession 
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in the legal profession: 
  • The Law Society 
  • Solicitors Regulation Authority 
  • The Bar Council 
• Advice for her younger self and you!  

Other resources: 

• Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life – Héctor García & Francesc Miralles 

We also talk about: 

• The legal profession more broadly: 
  • In house legal versus private practice 
  • Law firms – typical types, structures and services  
  • Solicitors, Solicitor Advocates & Barristers 
• The Japanese concept of ‘ikigai’ 
• Why it’s okay not to have a plan 
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) 
• The importance of staying open and curious 

So if you’re curious and wondering what a general counsel does or how to become a general counsel or you just want to be inspired – listen or watch and enjoy! 

PS – If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!