Explore Legal.io

For Clients
Legal.io company logo
Hire Talent
Find the best fit for any legal role
For Members
Jobs
The best legal jobs, updated daily
Salaries
Benchmark compensation for any legal role
Learn
Learn and grow with our community
Events
Connect with peers at exclusive events
Apps
Tools to streamline legal work
Advertise on Legal.io
Post a job for free
Reach more qualified applicants quickly
Advertise with Us
Reach a targeted audience

For Clients

Hire Talent
Legal.io company logo
Solutions
Find the best fit for any legal role
New Hire
Get highly qualified candidates in days
Popular Roles
Data & Tools
Budget Calculator
Plan and manage your legal budget
Salary Insights
Compensation data for legal roles
Vendor Directory
The ultimate list of legal tech tools

Community Discussion: Have you ever faced a situation where the right legal decision might not align with the company's short-term business interests? How did you navigate it?

General Counsels talk about navigating legal decisions that conflict with business interests.

Community Discussion: Have you ever faced a situation where the right legal decision might not align with the company's short-term business interests? How did you navigate it?

Author:

Have you ever faced a situation where the right legal decision might not align with the company's short-term business interests? How did you navigate it?

 

General Counsel Responses:

  • Oh, this is a tough one. I remember a situation where pushing for a particular IP protection was legally sound but would've delayed a product launch. It was a tightrope walk between legal prudence and business urgency. Anyone else faced something similar?
    • Totally get that. We had a similar clash with our marketing team over some ad campaigns. Legally, they were borderline, but from a marketing perspective, they were gold. I insisted on revisions, but it wasn't a popular decision.
  • It's like walking on eggshells sometimes. We had a merger opportunity that was fantastic from a business standpoint, but there were some compliance red flags. I had to sit down with the CEO and lay out the long-term risks versus the short-term gains. It was intense!
    • Been there! It's all about communication, right? I've found that presenting alternatives helps. Like, 'We can't do this, but here's another way we can achieve a similar outcome without the legal risks.' Easier said than done, though.
  • Sometimes it feels like we're the 'party poopers' in the boardroom. 😅 But jokes aside, it's our job to look ahead and safeguard the company's interests. Even if it means unpopular decisions now.
    • So true! I always use the analogy of chess - sometimes you sacrifice a pawn to save the queen. It's about long-term strategy over short-term wins.
  • One thing I've learned is not just to say 'No' but to explain the 'Why' behind it. When the leadership understands the potential repercussions, they're more likely to align with the legal perspective, even if it's not the most attractive option.
    • Couldn't agree more. And sometimes, it's also about picking your battles. There are times when you might let smaller things slide in favor of bigger, more critical legal battles.
  • It's tough, especially when shareholders are breathing down your neck for quick returns. But I always remind myself - and my team - that we're the conscience of the company. If we don't uphold the legal and ethical standards, who will?
  • Such a relief to hear I'm not alone in this. We're often in the hot seat, making tough calls. But at the end of the day, protecting the company's integrity and reputation is paramount. It's a weighty responsibility, but that's why we're here, right?

 

Give us your response and be a part of the discussion.

Legal.io Logo
Welcome to Legal.io

Connect with peers, level up skills, and find jobs at the world's best in-house legal departments

More from Legal.io

Asking for What You Want: Workplace Negotiation for Women

It’s well-known that the average salary for women lags behind the average salary for men in almost every industrialized country, despite the practically universal presence of laws requiring equal pay for equal work. One of the most prevalent explanations for this disparity is the idea that men and women have different attitudes towards negotiation and self-promotion.

Asking for What You Want: Workplace Negotiation for Women
Career
Community Perspectives: As in-house counsel, how did you learn the actual business on which you advise?

In-house legal professionals talk about how they learned their industry in conjunction with their work.

Community Perspectives: As in-house counsel, how did you learn the actual business on which you advise?
In-House CounselCareerMental Health
Allen & Overy Announces Legal AI Product - Harvey

The AI product will eventually become available to all A&O firms worldwide.

Allen & Overy Announces Legal AI Product - Harvey
TechnologyLegal SoftwareLaw Firms
Legal.io Newsletter - December 30, 2022 Edition #139

Published weekly on Friday, the Legal.io Newsletter covers the latest in legal, talent & tech.

Legal.io Newsletter - December 30, 2022 Edition #139
Legal OperationsTechnologyIn-House Counsel
Legal.io Newsletter - March 25, 2022

Published weekly on Friday, the Legal.io Newsletter covers the latest in legal, talent & tech.

Legal.io Newsletter - March 25, 2022
Legal OperationsTechnologyIn-House Counsel
Legal.io Logo
Welcome to Legal.io

Connect with peers, level up your skills, and find jobs at the world's best in-house legal departments