What does a Chief Legal Officer do?

Kim Lytakainen explains that a Chief Legal Officer (CLO) is a business advisor and trusted partner to the CEO and board, helping steward the company forward while balancing risk. She describes common backgrounds for CLOs—corporate law, litigation (including her IP litigation experience), and commercial transactions—and emphasizes consensus-building and practical advice. Kim outlines key internal partners (legal operations, subject-matter experts in areas like privacy and AI, and deal lawyers) and cross-functional relationships with leaders in revenue, finance, product, and engineering. She notes CLOs are needed across industries and shares typical work including team leadership, M&A, board governance, and cross-jurisdictional matters. She contrasts in-house roles with law firms/consulting, highlights challenges like being seen as risk-heavy and managing nonstop demands, offers ways students can seek shadowing, and encourages law school as a flexible, empowering degree.