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CLO

When law and strategy converge, legal leadership matters.

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CLO – Leadership for Compliance, Governance and Strategic Protection

The position of Chief Legal Officer has changed fundamentally. At a time when regulation is increasing across virtually every sector and technological developments are moving faster than policy can follow, the legal function at board level is no longer operating at a distance. They serve as strategic adviser to the CEO and the Board of Directors: defending the organisation and making optimal commercial use of the legal framework.

Odgers specialises in CLO search and legal search at board level. As a headhunter for legal leadership, we connect organisations with experienced legal professionals. From start-ups to multinationals, we map legal and corporate leadership and contribute to the development of talent.

Big enough to matter, small enough to care.

Our approach to Legal leadership search

Legal leadership is not a standard recruitment question. It is a strategic function that touches on growth, protection and governance. Our approach is built around three pillars: Identify, Build and Develop.

Identify

We start with the strategic direction and the ambitions of the organisation. From that foundation, we develop a forward-looking profile for the legal function.

Build

Using our global network of legal professionals and sector-specific expertise, we carefully assemble a candidate pool of senior lawyers who operate in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

Develop

Our support does not stop at the appointment. We assist with onboarding and integration into the C-suite, ensuring the legal leader makes an impact from day one.

Who protects the organisation when legislation changes faster than policy?

Organisational growth increasingly relies on technology, mergers and international expansion. At the same time, litigation is on the rise and the volume of regulation continues to grow. As a result, the legal function at board level faces a dual challenge: protecting and looking ahead, within the boundaries the law provides.

Why is legal leadership more strategic than ever?

The legal landscape is becoming increasingly complex, both nationally and internationally. Regulation is increasing across almost every sector and technological developments are moving faster than legislation can keep pace with. This calls for senior legal professionals who look beyond legal defence and who operate as strategic advisers to the CEO and Board of Directors.

Chief Legal Officer executive search across sectors

Odgers supports organisations across a wide range of sectors in recruiting legal leaders and General Counsel. Each environment requires its own profile and approach. We translate our sector knowledge — from reputational dynamics to governance realities — into a sharp profile and an effective search strategy.

  • Financial services requires CLOs who connect legal strategy to governance, regulation and the interests of regulators, shareholders and the board.
  • Professional services & the legal sector requires General Counsel who embed legal expertise internally, manage partnerships and contracts strategically and maintain the boundary between adviser and business partner.
  • Life sciences & healthcare requires CLOs who navigate complex regulation around product development, registration and ethical issues within an international stakeholder environment.
  • Technology, media & telecoms requires General Counsel who respond swiftly to privacy, IP and digital regulation in a sector where legal and commercial developments are constantly intertwined.

Ready to find the right legal leader?

Does your organisation need external support in attracting experienced legal professionals? Get in touch with our consultants.

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Your partner in leadership solutions

With over 50 years' experience, Odgers combines deep market insight with a holistic approach that looks beyond the CV. We identify candidates based on cultural fit, strategic vision and future perspective. Leaders who not only suit your current context, but are also prepared for tomorrow's challenges.

Discover our approach
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