NEXT GENERATION GC PROGRAM
in collaboration with
A 6-MONTH ACCELERATOR FOR
HIGH-POTENTIAL IN-HOUSE COUNSEL
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1:1 coaching from top GCs
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Small hand-selected cohorts
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Designed by GCs, for future GCs
There is one thing you can be certain of–the dividends you will receive from your investment could never be more timely."
BRANDON SMITH
Executive Vice President & General Counsel, CHS Inc.
CUSTOM-BUILT CURRICULUM
This is no conventional training program. Rooted in the proven Vanguard Network model, each session is an immersive experience—combining candid fireside chats, rich dialogue between leaders and participants, and hands-on small group work using real-world simulations.
Program content is shaped by the sponsoring GCs, who identify the leadership qualities most essential for success. The goal: to accelerate the development of these capabilities so participants emerge as standout GC candidates earlier in their careers—and are poised to thrive in the role for years to come.
Monthly Assignments
Each month participants will be assigned modest projects that build on the previous module and prepare for the next. Examples include watching exclusive videos; reading curated materials; and mentor check-ins.
Virtual Peer Meetings
Each monthly assignment will also be the focus of a virtual, 60-minute peer group discussion. These conversations help internalize the leadership concepts and also enhance networking among participants.
GC Coaching Sessions
The program features two to three coaching conversations with a GC from a different organization. A flexible agenda allows participants to bring their own unique challenges and perspectives to the table.
Development Roadmap
By the final module, participants will have created a written action plan to help them develop as leaders. Featuring key insights from modules and feedback from managers and peers, this document is a road map to becoming a successful GC.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS / TIME COMMITMENT
All participants must...
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Be nominated by their GC and recognized as a leader in their legal department
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Report directly to their organization’s most senior legal officer (with a title such as deputy or associate GC or managing attorney/counsel) or be GC of a division or region
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Be able to dedicate 6-7 hours per month. This includes attending 3-4 hours of scheduled virtual sessions and completing 2-3 hours of assignments, mentor follow ups, and peer check-ins between modules
2025 PROGRAM DATES
We are now accepting nominations for the program commencing June, 2025, which will run as follows:
Module 1: 6/2/25, 12-7 pm ET, Foley & Lardner (DC)
Module 2: 6/12/25, 2-5 pm ET, Virtual
Module 3: 7/10/25, 2-5 pm ET, Virtual
Module 4: 9/11/25, 2-5 pm ET, Virtual
Module 5: 10/9/25, 2-5 pm ET, Virtual
Module 6: 11/3/25, 12-7 pm ET, Foley & Lardner (DC)
GENERAL COUNSEL ADVISORY GROUP
Chair, Brandon Smith
PARTNERS
PARTICIPATING COMPANIES
This program was beneficial for me in so many ways. It helped me better understand the actual job and critical relationships with the CEO, Peers, and Board."
NANCY L. BERARDINELLI-KRANTZ
Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Grainger
2022-2023 Vanguard Next Gen GC participant
INVESTMENT
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$11,000 per participant (Vanguard GC Network members)
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$13,000 per participant (non-members)
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For more information, please contact tony@vanguardgroup.nyc
I could have used a session like this earlier in my career. I encountered so many unexpected things, especially in my first GC role."
DOUG BARNARD
Former Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary, CF Industries
VANGUARD TEAM FOR THE PROGRAM
KEN BANTA
Founder and CEO
The Vanguard Network
DICK MOSHER
Senior Advisor
The Vanguard Network
GARRICK ISERT
Vice Chair Vanguard Forum for General Counsel; Executive Coach; past Managing Director General Counsel 50