Private equity firms are experts at identifying operational inefficiencies and uncovering untapped levers for value creation. Yet one of the most consistently overlooked assets in the portfolio company structure is the general counsel.
In many PE-backed companies, legal remains a reactive function. Outside counsel handles the urgent matters. Internal compliance is delegated, if it exists at all. And hiring a full-time general counsel is often delayed until a transaction looms, or a problem forces the issue.
