The Lawyer General Counsel Strategy Summit 2025

Welcome to The Lawyer’s GC Strategy Summit in association with Shoosmiths.

Shoosmiths is delighted to be the headline sponsor of GCSS for the second year running.

We hope you like your delegate packs. This year we have provided a practical travel adapter plug and multi- USB charger (in case you forgot to pack either of these essential items!), along with a notebook and pen, and a Huski champagne flute – which we hope you'll be able to put to use back at home.

In addition to the goodies, David Jackson, CEO, and partner, Simon McArdle are delighted to be delivering the opening plenary session on "Leaders of the Board: Asserting Influence."

In recent years, the role of the GC has evolved from a subject matter expert to a pivotal leader. But what sets the most effective GCs apart in their ability to communicate and influence stakeholders?

David and Simon will explore:

• diverse leadership styles: the various approaches that shape influence
• effective communication: strategies for engaging and influencing stakeholders
• actionable steps: practical methods to enhance your leadership presence and impact

Separately, the Trump administration has created an incredibly challenging time for DEI and businesses in all industries (including law firms) are coming under increasing scrutiny in this space. In light of this, Shoosmiths partners Alex Bishop and Hannah Field will be hosting four roundtable sessions throughout the summit where you can come together with other GCs to discuss these challenges (under Chatham House rules) and how we can collectively navigate them.

We hope you enjoy the summit and gain valuable insight, as well as making the most of the networking opportunities. Do seek us out and say hello.