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CCCA_V6No4_InsideEdge-V3_CCCA_V6No2_InsideEdge.qxd 11/26/12 5:51 PM Page 54 Inside Edge Play a strategic role — without leaving legal By Leslie O’Donoghue aving moved within an organization into the business world. Lawyers are A lawyer’s legal background, skills and Hfrom General Counsel to an opera- broad strategic thinkers, generally bring training are transferrable and an ideal plat- tions role within the executive team, I am good judgment to business issues and form for a successful launch and integra- often asked the question, “To have a sig- have good leadership and project man- tion into an organization. nificant role, be a decision-maker, to suc- agement skills. Sometimes it's the intangible success cessfully influence or to grow within an Lawyers touch all aspects of the busi- factors that can make all the difference. organization, is it necessary to leave the ness and can collaboratively make a real As part of building a culture of support, Legal function?” impact on an organization. Lawyers are it is important to look for a mentor with- My answer is absolutely not! generally pro-active and comfortable in your organization or through outside There may be a variety of reasons why working in a collaborative environment; networks. CCCA runs an excellent men- legal counsel may consider a move outside they build networks that facilitate the toring program, as do many other associ- of legal. Sometimes a change is as good as sharing of knowledge with peers in the ations and organizations. I might not have a rest. A lateral move may provide an legal world, as well as with competitors, as had the confidence to step outside of my opportunity to integrate into other parts to best practices in corporate governance comfort zone had I not enjoyed a culture of the business and gain operations/busi- or in areas such as the environment. of support within my organization as well ness experience. Even a temporary as an outside network of wise rotation within the business may Lawyers touch all aspects counsel to provide inspiration and fully integrating into the business“ of the business and can mentoring. broaden your experience, as well as your portfolio, and assist in success- Each of us is our own best and took on a business develop- or in bringing that experience and collaboratively make a real barometer. When I first left Legal skill set back to legal. However, the impact on an organization. ment role, I did not rule out the legal role, particularly the General Communication skills are essential; sim-” notion of going back into a legal Counsel function, has become so role. Many times, opportunities high-profile and so integral within any present themselves when you are at the organization that you do not have to leave ple, thoughtful and persuasive — legal right place, at the right time — the tricky legal in order to play a really strategic role counsel are far more effective if they are part is to decide if those opportunities are within your organization. able to influence the direction of an right for you and not to let fear prevent In order to successfully influence and organization, not from a position of power you from pursuing those opportunities or become a key player in the decision-mak- but through persuasion (I wish I had taking risks in order to pursue a new chal- ing process and be involved in the strate- learned this earlier). The success of most lenge. If it feels like the right opportuni- gic direction of an organization, it is cru- legal counsel lies in their ability to present ty, trust your own intuition. More than cial that your organization places value on in a relevant manner. Presentation skills likely you will enjoy it and succeed, but if the role of the legal function, i.e., that it can be honed and developed — whether not, other opportunities will be open to really embraces the legal function as an it is in a legal role or in the business. you including bringing your business integral part of the executive team in It is important to know the business experience back to Legal. terms of the organization, its strategic and essential to have a solid financial direction and risk mitigation. understanding. This allows legal counsel Leslie O’Donoghue is chief legal officer and I believe a legal background provides a to marry the “legal advice” with the busi- senior vice-president of business development at solid foundation for successful integration ness needs. Agrium Inc. in Calgary. 54 CCCA Canadian Corporate Counsel Association WINTER 2012