The GC-Board Alignment Gap: What Boards and General Counsel Say—and What Actually Happens

As boards and executive teams place greater emphasis on governance, transparency, and informed decision-making, the role of the General Counsel is expanding beyond legal advisory into a more strategic, enterprise-facing position. Directors increasingly expect clear judgment, proactive engagement, and alignment on strategy, business development, and risk. In this environment, board access and communication are critical. When information flow is tightly managed or legal perspectives are not fully integrated, boards may assume GC involvement where it has not occurred, creating risk for both management and directors.

Bringing together legal and director perspectives, the discussion explores how expectations can be better aligned and how trust is built. Rather than focusing on theory, the session draws on survey insights and real-world experience to address practical challenges that arise in boardrooms, from ensuring appropriate GC involvement in M&A and business development discussions to shaping board culture so legal input is expected and valued. Panelists also share candid perspectives on maintaining credibility with directors, handling missteps, and navigating disagreement in ways that strengthen relationships.

Designed for both General Counsel and board members, this session offers practical insight into strengthening communication, aligning expectations, enhancing effectiveness, and expanding impact at the intersection of legal leadership and board governance.

Marla Persky, Mary Ann Hynes, and our team of professionals are happy to help accelerate the initiatives that you’re already pursuing or to supplement your current strategic thinking to help you realize your vision. Please reach out if you or your organization may benefit from our recruiting, leadership development, coaching, or advising services. Let BarkerGilmore help you build and optimize your legal and compliance departments.