We’re regularly tasked with navigating complex legal landscapes, providing sound advice to our organisations on an array of (unfamiliar) topics and ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulations - both on the domestic and more challengingly, international fronts.
It’s a cliché, I know, but we do live and work in an ever-increasingly globalised world -meaning legal and commercial issues/workloads are rarely confined to one jurisdiction.
Added to that challenge is that many of us don’t benefit from large teams (compared to, say, big commercial law firms) with varying area and jurisdictional expertise and with whom we can bounce ideas and brainstorm.
For these reasons, as well as our usual go-tos of Practical Law, Lexis Nexis, Westlaw and other fountains of legal knowledge, there’s another power of value to us GCs – that of international connection.
Being part of a global network or group of lawyers and other professionals can offer a myriad of benefits that can enhance both professional and personal growth. In particular, these types of networks give a platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas and fostering relationships that transcend borders. They also offer (in my experience, at least) a sense of real community and support, which is invaluable in the often-solitary world of in-house legal practice.
To that end, allow me to introduce CONSULEGIS …
Who are CONSULEGIS?
CONSULEGIS is a network made up of over 90 member organisations, spread across 45 countries and 120 jurisdictions, which offers connections to over 1,700 legal, tax and accounting professionals.
It’s also a network that’s been instrumental in my professional and personal journey, from way back in my days as a trainee in private practice. These days, being an Advisory Board member of the organisation and as the chair of its Next Generation Group (made up of young lawyers across the world), I’ve witnessed firsthand the immense value this network brings to its members.
Why be part of something like CONSULEGIS?
For me, these are the key advantages:
Global reach with local expertise
Whether I need advice on cross-border issues, support in exploring new markets, or collaboration on complex legal matters, CONSULEGIS connects me to the right people.
It also gives me the chance to build a network of experienced and similar in-house counsel across various industries, share best practices, troubleshoot challenges and find solutions collaboratively.
Professional development and knowledge sharing
Members also benefit, very handily, from a robust programme of events, webinars, and workshops. For example, we recently hosted a webinar on EU AI Act: Your Business Game Plan Now.
Always a highlight to most of our members is that of in-person events. We’ve hosted a real mix of conferences over the years in every corner of the globe - from exotic Sheffield(!) to the less exotic Mallorca, Lisbon, Sydney and Paraguay. To get a flavour of the fun we get up to, check out a recap of our Cyprus conference here.
Exclusive access to global resources
Networks like CONSULEGIS grant its members access to a wealth of tools too – including templates, articles, videos and briefing notes. Tailored specifically for lawyers who work on the international stage, these resources help us in-house teams to streamline operations and improve efficiency within our organisations.
Collaborative opportunities
Collaboration is at the heart of CONSULEGIS and other similar organisations. In practice, this means I can engage with like-minded professionals who share the same issues, dedications and interests as my own – whether it’s co-authoring comms pieces, participating in joint ventures or contributing to international legal projects.
Thought leadership and influence
Finally, on that professional development front, membership also offers the opportunity to position yourself as a thought leader within the global legal community. For example, members will often contribute to CONSULEGIS’ publications, speak at conferences, and participate in panels to share insights and influence the discourse on key legal issues.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, joining an international network like CONSULEGIS can significantly enhance your career as an in-house lawyer. You'll gain access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise, foster collaboration and innovation across the world and find a supportive community of peers.
So, if you're not already part of a network like this, I’d highly encourage you to explore the options out there. Chambers and Partners, for example, have published a list of many leading legal networks across the globe which they have ranked, with a handy summary of each one.
Whichever group is the right fit for you, the connections you make and the knowledge you gain will really enrich your personal and professional growth and, from my experience and that of my peers, help you become a more effective and well-rounded general counsel overall.
Gethin Bennett
Assistant Legal Counsel
The Royal Mint
