From Gatekeeper to Growth Enabler: How Lorna Burnet Redefined the GC Role
Our 2025 white paper posed the question, “Why are lawyers underrepresented in CEO roles?” The response to the publication was so overwhelmingly positive that the team decided to continue the conversation. We launched an interview series with Heads of Legal and General Counsel to explore what it truly takes to step out of one’s comfort zone and progress up the in-house career ladder. Although these legal leaders offered a wide range of perspectives, common themes emerged throughout their stories: pushing past fear and remaining open to the new and unknown.
In this latest interview in our in-house legal series, we’re joined by Lorna Burnet: General Counsel for Performance Excellence at The Weir Group PLC
- Current Role: General Counsel for Performance Excellence at The Weir Group PLC, leading legal and transformation initiatives for over two years.
- Career Journey: Previously held senior legal roles at Sainsbury’s Bank and other organizations, where she began integrating legal expertise into strategic transformation projects.
- Expanded Responsibilities: Oversees transformation and operational strategy, embedding legal thinking into governance and outsourcing frameworks.
- Key Strengths: Skilled in stakeholder engagement, risk management, and aligning legal input with business outcomes to drive innovation.
- Professional Focus: Building credibility through delivery and networking internally to influence strategic decisions beyond traditional legal boundaries.
Lorna Burnet
The Weir Group PLC, General Counsel
If you’re looking to branch out from traditional legal roles, you need to build credibility through delivery and network to understand where you can add value.
Her advice to in-house lawyers is clear: build credibility through tangible results, take ownership of cross-functional projects, and cultivate strong internal networks. She emphasizes the importance of understanding business models, market dynamics, and risk appetite, alongside developing financial literacy. Ultimately, success lies in changing the narrative showing that legal professionals can be drivers of innovation and strategic growth, not just guardians of compliance.
The GC Series Wrap-Up Event: General Counsel Horizons
To celebrate the conclusion of our GC Series, we would like you to join us for an exclusive evening event out our Crown Place London office.
Where? Pinsent Masons, 30 Crown Place, Earl Street, London, EC2A 4ES
When? Thursday 19 March @ 6pm
Spaces are limited; click below for more details and to register your interest.