General Counsel

Start A Conversation Today Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel Executive Search Selection of the most senior in-house legal professional is an important decision, with broad and long-term implications for the success of your organization. Beyond technical mastery, your CLO or GC must be business savvy, possess the maturity and soft skills necessary to forge strong relationships, and earn the trust of the Executive Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and key internal and external stakeholders. They also need to hit the ground running. BarkerGilmore is a strategic advisor dedicated to finding legal professionals of the highest caliber for our clients. We have built a General Counsel executive search firm based on quality, trust, and integrity, rather than search assignment volume. We have assembled a team of professionals with unmatched credentials. And we have created a client-centric, relationship-based approach, combined with a portfolio of executive search and advisory services, unlike any competitor. Schedule a Discovery Call An Unmatched, Risk-Managed Approach to GC and CCO Executive Recruiting BarkerGilmore combines its access to the industry’s most qualified legal and compliance talent with an approach designed to proactively manage the risk and expense inherent in hiring for those high-level, mission-critical roles. Here’s how: Our 360° assessment of legal talent goes well beyond what’s on their resumes. We also evaluate essential personal attributes, including emotional intelligence, gravitas, ethics, cultural fit and chemistry, leadership capability, and passion for the position. Pro bono world-class coaching is included in our GC and CCO executive search engagements, providing six months of complimentary professional coaching, which facilitates onboarding, and helps to ensure long-term success. Our team of coaches includes highly respected former GCs and CCOs who have worked at blue chip companies. BarkerGilmore’s 91% placement stick rate and performance guarantee far surpasses industry standards. We ensure our performance with long-term guarantees to conduct a new search to replace the candidate for no additional cost, apart from expenses. Learn More About Our Recruitment Process The BarkerGilmore Advantage Why BarkerGilmore is Recognized as the General Counsel Search Firm Leader BarkerGilmore stands apart from all other recruitment firms for General Counsel executive search assignments in tangible ways. Boards, CEOs, and CHROs select BarkerGilmore not only for the high quality in-house legal talent we deliver, but also for the long-term impact and value those professionals deliver for their organizations. Here are a few ways our clients benefit from what we call The BarkerGilmore Advantage : Expertise Exclusive Focus BarkerGilmore is dedicated exclusively to in-house legal and compliance leadership. Twenty years of specialization provides unmatched market intelligence, executive relationships, and insight into the leadership qualities required for today’s legal executives. Executive Assessment BarkerGilmore evaluates business acumen, executive presence, emotional intelligence, cultural alignment, communication skills, board effectiveness, and judgment to identify executives positioned for long-term success. Strategic Advisors Former Chief Legal Officers, Chief Compliance Officers, and board members provide firsthand executive insight that strengthens candidate evaluation and executive decision making. Learn More Access Access to Exceptional Talent Limited off-limits restrictions provide access to accomplished legal and compliance executives beyond the reach of many global executive search firms. Relationship-Driven Recruiting Long-standing relationships built on trust and integrity create direct access to exceptional executives, many before a search officially begins. Confidential Executive Network Decades of confidential relationships with legal and compliance leaders create opportunities to engage executives who are not actively exploring new roles. Learn More Partnership Boutique Service Every engagement receives partner-level leadership, responsive communication, and a search strategy tailored to organizational priorities. Flexible Engagement Whether recruiting a General Counsel, building a legal department, or advising on succession planning, BarkerGilmore adapts to each organization’s evolving leadership needs. Long-Term Leadership Partnership Executive search is only the beginning. BarkerGilmore supports organizations through leadership advisory, executive coaching, succession planning, and market intelligence to strengthen leadership for years to come. Learn More Exclusively Dedicated to Recruiting In-House Legal and Compliance Leaders BarkerGilmore is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional results for clients. For more than two decades, we have been exclusively dedicated to recruiting in-house legal and compliance executives , consistently exceeding client expectations through our proven approach. Clients engaging with BarkerGilmore are seeking a trusted partner that can deliver: Unmatched access to top-tier legal talent Industry expertise and strategic guidance from seasoned search consultants A trusted, long-term partnership that prioritizes success beyond a single hire We are a relationship-driven firm with industry-leading placement, retention, and satisfaction metrics, trusted by clients who value quality, discretion, and results. Unlike any other legal executive recruiter, and as part of our commitment to ensuring long-term success for senior-level GCs and CCOs, we include six months of Executive Coaching by a distinguished former General Counsel from our team. Led by a distinguished former GC or CCO, these customized, discrete coaching sessions accelerate the new executive’s ability to integrate into the organization, drive strategic initiatives, and establish leadership credibility from day one. Understand Why We Are Trusted Advisors How General Coun