Why the Outside General Counsel Model Is More Relevant Than Ever in 2025
The 2025 State of the Corporate Law Department Report from Thomson Reuters reveals a legal landscape in flux—one where general counsel (GCs) are redefining their roles, rethinking value, and embracing new models of legal service delivery. Among the most resilient and adaptive models is the Outside General Counsel (OGC) approach, which continues to gain traction across industries. The Value Imperative “Value” is the dominant theme of the 2025 report. It was mentioned three times more often in interviews than in the previous year [1]. GCs are no longer just legal advisors—they’re strategic enablers, risk managers, and operational partners. The report identifies four pillars of value: Effectiveness: Delivering high-quality legal advice aligned with business strategy. Efficiency: Serving the business cost-effectively, often through technology and AI. Protection: Managing risk and regulatory compliance. Enablement: Helping the business grow through strategic legal support [1]. “GCs must ensure that they add value through the quality of their legal advice and interactions with stakeholders.” — Thomson Reuters [1] This framework aligns perfectly with the OGC model, which offers continuous, strategic legal support without the overhead of full-time in-house counsel. Cost Control and the Decline of the Billable Hour GCs are under pressure to do more with …