As legal departments take on more strategic roles, GCs are expected to act as integral business partners. This session explores how GCs can be deeply involved in guiding business decisions while remaining vigilant to potential risks. Participants will explore real-life scenarios of GCs who have navigated the complexities of strategic partnerships. A facilitated discussion will focus on boundaries, benefits, and lessons learned. Discussion topics include:

• Practical approaches for balancing legal oversight with business-driven goals
• How to Identify and manage risks of close partnerships, especially in high-stakes scenarios
• Lessons from seasoned GCs on avoiding common pitfalls in strategic business alignment