What if the biggest thing standing between you and your dream job is simply… not saying it out loud? For many in-house counsel, how to become a General Counsel feels like a mysterious path—something to aspire to, but not something you talk about openly. It’s easy to wonder, “Am I even allowed to say I want that job?” The truth is, most GCs didn’t follow a perfect plan. They just started, one step at a time.
That’s exactly what David Hamm did. He’s currently Senior Counsel at Summit Materials, and he’s been intentionally carving out his own path toward the GC role. As the host of the podcast Conversations with GCs, David interviews General Counsel from a wide range of industries, sharing their stories, insights, and hard-earned wisdom with other in-house lawyers who are wondering how to become a General Counsel themselves. His journey proves that it’s not about checking all the boxes—it’s about getting in motion.
Watch the full conversation with David Hamm here:
Say Yes, Even When It’s Uncomfortable
David’s story shows that how to become a General Counsel doesn’t begin with a title—it starts with a yes. During the pandemic, he was asked to give a talk about virtual shareholder meetings. He could’ve said no. Instead, he leaned in, even though it wasn’t in his comfort zone. That yes led to another, and then another. Before long, he was co-chairing a subcommittee at the ABA and launching a podcast that’s now a go-to resource for aspiring legal leaders.
Saying yes opened doors, but more importantly, it changed his mindset. The more he stepped into visibility, the clearer his goal became—and the more he owned it.
Own the Goal: You Want to Be GC? Say It
So many lawyers want to know how to become a General Counsel, but they hesitate to say the words out loud. Maybe it feels too ambitious or too far off. But ambition isn’t a weakness—it’s your compass. Owning your goal helps you start charting a course. Whether that’s seeking mentorship, raising your hand for stretch assignments, or just starting conversations with legal leaders, the path becomes clearer when you claim it.
Strong Communication Is Your Superpower
You already know the law. What separates General Counsel from other in-house counsel isn’t legal knowledge—it’s leadership, influence, and the ability to communicate across the business. Want to be GC material? Start working on how you explain complex legal risks in board meetings, lead your team through change, or even write in a way that moves people to action. These aren’t just “soft” skills—they’re critical to success in the GC seat.
Start Where You Are—Just Start
You don’t need to have the perfect resume or ten-step plan. The question of how to become a General Counsel isn’t answered in one move—it’s answered in momentum. Saying yes to opportunities, talking openly about your goals, and taking ownership of your career direction is where it all begins.
So—what’s one thing you can say yes to this month that could bring you closer?
You’ve already started the journey. Now keep walking.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 3, Episode 19 (David Hamm)
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