It’s the ‘Golden Age’ for Lawyers Seeking Corporate Board Seats

Public companies are increasingly looking for lawyers to become corporate directors, bringing legal expertise to the boardroom and prestige to attorneys who can navigate potential conflicts.

The “golden age” for lawyers seeking board seats is largely a product of the “rise of regulatory forces,” said Paul Williams, a former chief legal officer at Cardinal Health Inc. Risk analysis and communications skills can be useful in that regard, said Williams, a director at two public companies and a partner emeritus at legal recruiting firm Major, Lindsey & Africa.

Lawyers have long served on the boards of privately held companies and nonprofits. ...