This column is the first in a new format featuring advice directly from exceptional general counsel throughout the U.S. I hope you enjoy this incredibly valuable perspective. Moreover, I encourage you to email me with suggested questions you would like our rotating panel of general counsel experts to answer.

Our first topic cuts to the heart of why many readers have been kindly following this column for years. I asked our experts this question:

“If you were to offer one tip or piece of advice for a mid-level inside counsel who aspires to sit in the general counsel chair eventually, what would it be?”