Power, Pressure & the Modern Board: Why the GC Is Now the Most Influential Voice in the Room
The boardroom is under pressure like never before—and General Counsels are increasingly at the center of it.
From shareholder activism and AI oversight to cybersecurity threats, geopolitical disruption and CEO succession, today’s most critical business decisions carry legal, reputational and governance risk. Boards are turning to their GCs not just for protection, but for perspective, judgment and strategic clarity.
Join Crain’s Chicago Business for a candid, high-level discussion on how the GC-board relationship is evolving—and why it may be the defining power dynamic in modern corporate leadership.
We’ll tackle the issues reshaping board agendas: the shift from compensation to human capital oversight, rising expectations around board effectiveness, the state of the economy, crisis readiness, and the changing chemistry between boards and CEOs. Panelists will also explore how GCs can influence without overstepping—and how boards can better leverage their top legal advisor.
Designed for General Counsels and current and aspiring board members, this program goes beyond governance theory to examine the real tensions, risks and opportunities shaping today’s boardrooms.
Who should request an invitation?
- Current and former general counsel and chief legal officers
- Senior in-house counsel and legal department leaders
- Members of corporate legal teams
- Current and aspiring board members
- Select leaders in law and corporate governance
CLE eligibility is pending.
DATE & LOCATION
Tuesday, October 6
7:30 - 9:45 am
Chicago Club
81 E Van Buren St
Chicago, IL 60605
$125 individual tickets
You must be pre-registered to attend. No refunds are permitted.
Registration will close at 9 am on October 2, 2026.
CORPORATE PARTNER
SUPPORTING PARTNER
