A chief legal officer (CLO) is the highest-ranking corporate officer concerning legal affairs of a corporation or agency. Chief legal officers typically hold the title of general counsel.

Skill requirements

Chief Legal officers are attorneys, but their skill level should not be limited to the law. In addition to a high level of legal skill, CLOs of corporations should have leadership skills. They must be able to act decisively regarding legal challenges that face a corporation, and competently advise other C level officers. They make sure all actions by the company are legal and typically report to the Board of Directors in the annual meeting.

Reporting structure

The CLO typically reports directly to the CEO.