Theoretically, if the goal is to become a general counsel, is it more advantageous to stay in big law and make partner then move in house, or move from big law to an in house role at a large company such as FAANG after five or so years, then move up or transition to a smaller company from there?

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Not sure I see many Big law partners move to a GC role outside of very, very large companies or banks. In my anecdotal experience, most GCs do the normal route (3-6 yrs at a firm, in house, and move around or move up companies)

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Yeah, that'd be the other one, too.

If you make partner at big law, why would you move to something you know nothing about? Seems like partner at big law is a terminal position.

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I don’t see being a law firm partner or spending time at a FAANG as that meaningful (being a partner in particular). If you want to be a general counsel, I’d figure out the type of company where I’d like to work, understand the skills and experiences that I need, and then target roles that get me those skills and experiences. Being a GC at a midsize private company is very different than a large public company.

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So a follow up question for folks here. If you are moving in house, is it more advantageous to go into a product or commercial role, or stay on the corporate side? Let's assume we are talking the tech industry.

Would a generalist position at a smaller company or a late stage startup position you well for a GC position?

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