The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director/VP, Global Contract Management (Large BPO)
5-10 years in this role before L7Skills to master
- Leading multi-regional teams, managing multi-million-pound contract portfolios, driving CLM transformations, and developing robust compliance programmes for a major division. You'd have a proven track record of strategic impact.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a major enterprise-wide CLM implementation or upgrade.
- Consistently achieved 100% compliance in all audits across your managed portfolio.
- Demonstrated ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive cross-functional initiatives.
- Built and mentored a high-performing team that consistently exceeds expectations.
- 2
General Counsel / Head of Legal (Mid-Large Organisation)
5-10 years in this role before L7Skills to master
- Comprehensive understanding of corporate law, significant experience in commercial litigation, M&A legal due diligence, and advising senior leadership on complex legal and regulatory matters. You'd have a strong commercial bent.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed significant legal disputes or regulatory investigations.
- Provided strategic legal advice on major M&A transactions or market entries.
- Demonstrated ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
- Built strong relationships with external legal counsel and regulatory bodies.
- 3
SVP/Partner, Commercial/Legal Consulting (Top Tier Firm)
7-12 years in this role before L7Skills to master
- Advising multiple global clients on complex contractual strategies, risk management, and compliance frameworks. You'd have a deep understanding of various industry sectors and a strong track record of delivering high-value strategic solutions.
You're ready to move on when
- Led major consulting engagements for multinational clients on contract transformation.
- Developed and implemented innovative contractual solutions for complex business challenges.
- Proven ability to influence C-suite clients and drive large-scale change programmes.
- Strong network within the legal and commercial sectors.