Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is General Counsels United?
    • General Counsels United is a nationwide, non-partisan collective of more than 800 general counsels united by one enduring principle: that the rule of law is the bedrock of American business and economic growth. Its members lead the legal departments of every type and stage of enterprise: public companies (including Fortune 100 companies), private companies (including venture-backed startups and private equity portfolio companies), and non-profit organizations, and their companies span virtually every industry.
    • We share a common concern that when this vital principle erodes — through interference with the right to counsel, attacks on judicial independence or arbitrary shifts in legal standards — businesses, the economy, and our country all pay the price.
  2. What is the purpose of General Counsels United?
    • General Counsels United exists to ensure the voice of the in-house legal community is heard on actions that threaten the principle of the rule of law, and our legal system’s ability to promote the stability, independence, and predictability that American businesses and society depend on.
  3. Why did General Counsels United file an amicus brief in Perkins Coie LLP v U.S. DoJ?
    • Our concern is both legal and economic. The ongoing attacks on law firms don’t just threaten abstract constitutional values – a survey of our members indicates that they are already imposing tangible costs and real risk to the companies we serve.
  4. What does the amicus brief argue?
    • General Counsels United is arguing that the EOs targeting certain law firms based on their legal advocacy are already distorting how companies choose outside counsel – creating significant legal, ethical, and practical risks. The brief argues that unless the Orders are enjoined, it is not feasible for companies to choose or retain targeted firms. The Orders also inject political considerations in the choice of firms that settled or may be targeted that should be based on expertise. And, the Orders are chilling companies and law firms from taking positions in the legal system that may displease the Administration.
  5. Will General Counsels United get involved in other cases?
    • General Counsels United will consider additional action on a case-by-case basis.
  6. How do I get involved with GCU?
    • Current and former general counsels can join General Counsels United’s private group on LinkedIn here.
  7. Why did General Counsels United sign on to the Keep Our Republic principles?
    • General Counsels United signed on to Keep Our Republic’s “Principles for the Independence of the Legal Profession” as we believe these principles align with GCU’s core belief that the rule of law and an independent bar is foundational to American society, economy, and way of life. We encourage others to sign on too, here.