Board readiness for in-house counsel is a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Have you ever wondered why so many in-house lawyers get overlooked for board seats? It’s a question that comes up a lot—and It’s a common frustration.
Even with years of legal leadership, deep business knowledge, and a front-row seat to strategy, many in-house counsel find themselves passed over when it comes to board appointments.
The problem? It’s not about your abilities. It’s about how the role of a lawyer is still perceived. Fortunately, that perception can be shifted.
Marla Persky, a former General Counsel turned board director, shared what it really takes to make that transition. Her story is inspiring—and full of practical insight for anyone thinking about their next chapter.
Watch the full conversation with Marla Persky here:
Breaking Through the Bias
Marla didn’t just climb the legal ladder—she built a career on asking hard questions, navigating complex industries, and balancing risk with opportunity. But even with that experience, she had to confront a common stereotype: that lawyers are too risk-averse for the boardroom.
Sound familiar?
Marla pushed back on that idea by reframing how she talked about her skills. She didn’t lead with law—she led with strategy. She showed how her legal expertise helped businesses grow, not just stay out of trouble. That shift made all the difference. And it’s at the heart of board readiness for in-house counsel: knowing how to translate your experience into language board members understand and value.
What Makes You Board-Ready?
Marla’s advice is simple but powerful—get clear on your value proposition. What unique experience do you bring to the table? Maybe you’ve led a company through a regulatory minefield. Maybe you’ve helped manage a merger or launched a legal tech transformation. These aren’t just legal wins—they’re business wins.
When you frame your story that way, you stop being “just the lawyer” and start being seen as a strategic advisor. And that’s exactly what boards are looking for.
Start Thinking Like a Board Member
Another key part of board readiness for in-house counsel is learning to think beyond legal risk—and get comfortable with risk itself. Marla explained that board directors need to make bold decisions. That means being able to assess risk, yes—but also to embrace it when the reward is worth it.
And don’t worry—you don’t need to become a financial wizard overnight. But understanding the basics of business and finance is a must. Being able to read a balance sheet, ask smart questions about performance, and understand what drives profit and loss will help you show up with confidence in any boardroom conversation.
Your Experience Already Counts—Own It
The truth is, you’ve probably already done the kind of work boards need—you just haven’t been framing it that way. You’ve led, advised, and steered your company through big moments. Now it’s time to own that.
So if you’ve ever thought about joining a board, don’t wait to be asked. Start preparing. Start telling your story in a new way. Because board readiness for in-house counsel isn’t something you have to earn from scratch—it’s something you already have. You just need to shine a light on it.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 3, Episode 13 ( Marla Persky )
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At Notes to My (Legal) Self®, we’re dedicated to helping in-house legal professionals develop the skills, insights, and strategies needed to thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape. From leadership development to legal operations optimization and emerging technology, we provide the tools to help you stay ahead.
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