Most corporate boards operate far from optimally, according to surveys and corporate governance experts, a problem that represents both a huge challenge as well as an opportunity for general counsel to make their mark.

Perhaps more than any other C-suite executive, the GC is well-suited to help boards address their weaknesses, which often stem from gaps in director expertise, insufficient director onboarding support and education, an excessive focus on the past rather than future opportunities and risks, and a failure to plan for CEO succession, governance experts say.