Q: I'm a seasoned GC, but don't have Big Law Firm training. I'm seeking a new job and have been rejected for a few GC roles because I lack this background. Why is Big Law experience so important at this stage of my career?

A: Employers come in all shapes and sizes. And when it comes to GC hires, so do their requirements. Each executive team possesses a vision of their perfect profile and their own set of priorities and values that govern a GC search. Some of these “must-haves” are based on logic … others, on emotional drivers. So every company … and search differs.

The requirement of “Big Law” experience most certainly exists for some GC opportunities … but not all. In fact, a large number of executives place more emphasis on the quality of overall in-house and GC experience than on the law firm brand during a candidate's early professional years. So if you're feeling demoralized and/or frustrated by your recent employment rejections, it is important to know that in today's GC legal market, a background in Big Law is not an across-the-board requirement.