Notes To My (Legal) Self Season 3, Episode 19: Calling All Aspiring GCs (with David Hamm)
In this episode of Notes to My (Legal) Self, we delve into the strategic insights and personal narratives that shape the journey to becoming a general counsel. David Hamm, our guest, and a seasoned corporate counsel, shares his experiences and the foundational decisions that have defined his career trajectory. Here are the key learning outcomes from our discussion:
Strategic Networking and Vocalizing Ambitions: David emphasizes the significance of networking and the importance of openly discussing career goals. He illustrates how unexpected opportunities often arise from intentional connections and being vocal about one's ambitions within professional circles. This serves as a practical guide for listeners on the importance of building and utilizing a professional network effectively.
Diverse Career Pathways: Through David's recount of his own path and the stories from his podcast, "Conversations with GCs," listeners learn that there is no singular route to becoming a general counsel. The discussion highlights the varied backgrounds of general counsels, from corporate law to litigation, revealing that career flexibility and adaptability are crucial in reaching executive legal roles.
Importance of Skill Development: This episode underlines the critical skills necessary for a general counsel, with a focus on high-level communication and understanding corporate governance deeply. David discusses how aspiring general counsels can develop these skills through specific roles and responsibilities in their current positions, thereby preparing for the complexities of the general counsel role.
Mentorship and Continuous Learning: The conversation brings to light the role of mentorship and continuous learning in achieving significant career milestones. David shares how his educational pursuits, like obtaining an LLM in securities at Georgetown, and informal learning from mentors, have shaped his professional development, offering a blueprint for listeners to follow in their educational and professional endeavors.
Listeners are encouraged to approach their career development intentionally, embracing both the structured aspects of educational advancement and the unstructured opportunities that arise from professional interactions and mentorships. This episode not only provides a glimpse into the life of a senior corporate counsel but also serves as an educational tool for those aiming to navigate their careers toward the role of a general counsel.