3 Lessons from Top GC

I enjoyed this recent interview with Jan Kang, the founder of Women’s General Counsel Network and serial GC, including at Chronicle, a Google X company. Jan’s former clients and colleagues keep inviting her to join them. Being asked to go from place to place is common for top lawyers. Why?

1. Top lawyers are easy to work with. They find joy in situations and are kind to everyone, no matter their title or function. Years ago Jan worked with an internal IT person who went on to found Chronicle and reached out to Jan to lead Legal there.
2. Top lawyers keep trying even in tough times. Undaunted by a global recession, Jan sent out 100 letters and landed a job at Applied.
3. They have vision and a sense of community. Jan started the Women’s General Counsel Network ten years ago with five people, and now membership is 1000!

As the economy is sputtering, remember to be kind and to keep open to new opportunities. People who appear lucky have actually invested in relationships and are not easily discouraged.