Since our inception, Ready Set GC has featured thought-provoking blogs written by our esteemed Advisory Board members. These pieces have offered invaluable insights and advice tailored for women GCs navigating their unique journeys.
In 2025, we’re taking a bold step forward. In our mission to empower our community, we are expanding our conversations to include voices from across the in-house legal community. Our new series, Beyond the Board, will spotlight guest contributors who bring fresh perspectives, unique challenges, and empowering stories to inspire our growing network.
Kicking off this exciting new chapter is Lisa Lang, General Counsel of Ohio Northern University and a prolific contributor to Above the Law. In her piece below Lisa shares how to step into the Chief Legal Officer role with courage and confidence—reminding us all that the power to lead is within reach.
For many lawyers transitioning from other roles, the prospect of becoming a chief legal officer can feel intimidating. As the chief legal officer, you will be stepping into foreign territory. You will no longer be simply advising someone who makes the ultimate decision—you will be part of a team that contributes to making the ultimate decision. As a member of that team, you will likely have the ear of the company’s chief executive officer, company senior management, and possibly the board of directors. While you might not be the final decision-maker for the company, you will be a voice at the table, one whose opinion carries significant weight. It’s a position of influence and responsibility that can make even the most seasoned lawyer pause.
So, how do you overcome that hesitation? What should you do to move past fear and embrace the opportunity to lead?
Consider Shifting Your Mindset
The first—and perhaps most important—thing to remember is that no one knows everything. No chief legal officer, no matter how experienced, has all the answers. The role is not about being perfect; it’s about being resourceful, collaborative, and adaptable.
Here are some ways to prepare for this transition:
Do Your Due Diligence Before stepping into the chief legal officer role, research is key. Understand your company’s industry, its history, and its culture. Talk to current and former chief legal officers in similar industries. Ask those chief legal officers about their challenges, their successes, and the lessons they have learned. The more you know going in, the more confident you will feel about navigating the unknown.
Build Relationships As the chief legal officer, your success will depend heavily on the relationships you build within the company. Develop strong connections with company employees at all levels of the company- not just with your colleagues at the management level. Listen to their concerns and priorities. Understand the company’s broader goals and how the legal department fits into that vision. A strong network of company employees (or “internal partners”) will help you gain perspective and trust.
Embrace Collaboration Keep in mind that you don’t have to have all the answers on day one—or ever. The best chief legal officers know how to rely on the expertise of others. Your legal team, outside counsel, and internal partners in other departments all bring valuable insights to the table. Be open to their ideas and recommendations. A willingness to collaborate doesn’t diminish your leadership; it strengthens it.
Leverage History and Context Every company has its own unique history and culture. When you step into the chief legal officer role, take the time to understand what has come before you. What challenges has the company faced? What legal and business decisions have shaped its current state? Context matters, and understanding it will help you avoid missteps and build credibility.
Lean Into the Unknown
Moving into the chief legal officer role is like stepping into any new position: there will be tasks and responsibilities you’ve never handled before. That doesn’t mean you’re not capable of learning and excelling. In fact, the very act of stepping into the role demonstrates a willingness to grow and adapt.
Remember, no one is truly “ready” for something they’ve never done before. The chief legal officer role, like any leadership position, is as much about mindset as it is about skills. It’s about having the courage to trust your abilities, to admit when you need help, and to embrace the uncertainty of a new challenge.
Final Thoughts
The fear of not being up to the task is natural. It’s a sign that you care about the responsibility and the impact of the role. But don’t let fear hold you back. The truth is, you don’t need to know everything to succeed as the chief legal officer. What you need is the courage to try, the humility to ask for help, and the determination to learn as you go.
Being the chief legal officer isn’t about being infallible. It’s about being a leader, a problem solver, and a trusted voice in the room. And while stepping into the role may feel daunting, remember that every chief legal officer was once in your shoes, wondering if they were truly ready. The only difference is that they decided to go for it.
So, take the leap. You’re more capable than you think.
General Counsel, Ohio Northern University
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