Beyond the Law: How Sherill Taggart Transformed the GC Role into a Strategic Business Partnership

| 23 Feb 2026 | 9:00 am

James Lewindon

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 Sherrill Taggart, General Counsel at FTI Consulting.

Current Role: Experienced General Counsel at FTI Consulting with a strong focus on strategic business partnership rather than purely legal oversight.
Career Perspective: Advocates for the evolution of the GC role from head of legal to a key advisor to the C-suite, emphasizing business strategy and growth.
Core Strengths: Combines legal expertise with proactive horizon scanning, regulatory awareness, and commercial acumen to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
Leadership Philosophy: Believes in building credibility by contributing beyond legal advice; offering solutions that drive business success and growth.
Career Advice: Encourages lawyers to embrace curiosity, confidence, and adaptability to thrive in hybrid roles that blend legal and business leadership.

Sherill faced the challenge of shifting perceptions, from being seen as a legal gatekeeper to being recognised as a strategic enabler within the business. This transition required overcoming traditional stereotypes of lawyers as risk-averse and learning to operate confidently in ambiguous, commercially driven environments. She stresses that moving into a GC role means doing far less “pure law” and far more business leadership, which can feel uncomfortable for those who identify strongly as technical lawyers.

Her advice is to develop business acumen, understand growth strategies, and proactively anticipate regulatory and geopolitical hurdles. By offering solutions rather than simply flagging risks, lawyers can earn trust and influence at the highest levels. Ultimately, success depends on curiosity, confidence, and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone because the GC role today is as much about shaping strategy as safeguarding 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.

Sign-up

Beyond the Law: How Sherill Taggart Transformed the GC Role into a Strategic Business Partnership

The GC Series Wrap-Up Event: General Counsel Horizons

Your privacy matters to us