When your board asks, “Why this GC?”, you'd better have a good answer. That’s where Anne Kerwin Payne comes in.

In this episode, Mary O’Carroll sits down with one of the most trusted names in legal executive search. As founder and managing director of Kerwin Associates, Anne has helped place legal and compliance leaders at some of the most innovative companies in the world. She knows what it takes to stand out—and what gets overlooked.

They dive deep into what CEOs are really looking for in today’s legal hires, and why pedigree alone won’t cut it. Whether you’re an aspiring general counsel or a legal ops pro helping build the next great team, this episode delivers a masterclass in legal leadership hiring.

In this episode:

• The Judgment Factor: Why outstanding judgment—not technical chops—is the #1 trait companies want in legal leaders.
• The Resume vs. The Room: How communication style and presence carry more weight than you might think—and why the best GCs can command a boardroom with just a few words.
• Storytelling That Sells: How to craft a career narrative that makes sense, even with lateral moves, gaps, or a long stint at one company.
• Following the Leader: Why the ability to attract and develop top talent says more about your leadership than your title ever will.
• The Business-Minded Lawyer: CEOs want legal partners who think like operators. Anne explains why general counsels are increasingly expected to function like COOs.
• The Reality of the Market: From backdoor references to AI disruption, get a brutally honest take on today’s hiring landscape and what it means for your next move.

Whether you're job-hunting, hiring, or just trying to future-proof your career, this conversation is full of insights you can’t afford to miss.

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