Hire a Deputy General Counsel

A Deputy General Counsel is the second-ranking lawyer in a legal department, running day-to-day legal operations and advising executives on major matters. The role extends the General Counsel’s reach and keeps the department functioning during transactions, disputes and leadership absences. Typical responsibilities include: manage the legal team and allocate matters across attorneys; advise executives on high-stakes contracts, disputes and regulatory issues; oversee outside counsel selection, budgets and performance.

Look for legal leadership, litigation oversight, corporate governance, executive advising, budget management and risk judgment. Experience with Brightflag, Onit, Ironclad and Westlaw is common in this role.

It is possible, but most employers hire a Deputy General Counsel on a full-time basis because the role depends on continuity and long-term relationships. Contract-to-hire is a practical middle route if you want a trial period first.

A Deputy General Counsel is the clear second in command and often the General Counsel’s successor. An Associate General Counsel usually leads a specific area, such as employment or commercial law, without the full management scope. Titles vary widely, so define the role by responsibilities.

Internal promotion preserves institutional knowledge. An outside hire can bring experience your department lacks, such as a different industry or a larger scale. Consider where the department is weakest and whether the General Counsel needs a complement or a successor.