In a move heralded in Sullivan & Cromwell quarters as emblematic of the firm's role in helping women crack the glass ceiling, Goldman Sachs Group on Tuesday announced that Karen Seymour, an S&C partner, is joining the investment-banking firm as co-general counsel and partner.

Starting in late January, Seymour, 56, will share with former S&C partner and existing Goldman Sachs GC Gregory Palm, 69, responsibility for all legal matters for the investment banking firm's operations worldwide.

Seymour welcomes her new role and described it as an opportunity that “I wouldn't have even dreamed of as a goofy junior associate.”