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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get in touch to discuss your executive search or leadership development needs.
Find a consultant Make an enquiryOdgers 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.
We advise and guide our clients in finding executive leaders across every sector.
Does your organisation need external support in attracting experienced legal professionals? Get in touch with our consultants.
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 approachA CLO at C-suite level ensures that legal considerations are fully integrated into strategic decisions. Particularly in heavily regulated sectors or during periods of rapid growth, such a senior legal expert is essential; where legal complexity is lower, a senior lawyer further down the organisation may suffice, provided the board receives timely legal counsel.
A forward-thinking CLO looks for safe ways to say 'yes' to commercial opportunities. Rather than focusing solely on risks, this legal leader thinks in terms of solutions within the rules, enabling the business to grow without breaking the law.
The CLO builds a culture in which regulatory compliance is second nature whilst the business remains agile. By establishing clear policies, providing proactive training and offering pragmatic advice, the CLO ensures teams know what is and is not permissible, whilst the business continues to operate with pace and confidence.
An experienced CLO spots legal pitfalls before others do. Through regular risk scans, this legal leader identifies hidden dangers in contracts or emerging legislation and advises proactively, ensuring the business stays ahead of potential problems.
The business moves quickly, so the legal function must keep pace. An agile CLO uses standard contracts and streamlined review processes and works closely with the business, ensuring Legal is seen not as an obstacle but as a pragmatic partner that operates efficiently within the rules.
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