Julian’s expertise in placing senior leaders, including general counsel and key executive roles, provides valuable insights for organisations navigating complex regulatory environments and looking to build high-performing legal teams.
Welcome to Day 6 of the 12 Days of Boyden series! Today, we spotlight Boyden’s expert in the legal sector: Julian Ortner. The legal, compliance, risk, and governance functions are experiencing rapid change, driven by evolving regulation, shifting work models, and the ongoing need for strategic leadership. In this Q&A, Julian Ortner, an executive search consultant with over 25 years of experience in the legal field, shares his perspectives on the key challenges and trends shaping the future of legal and governance leadership.
Q: What was a key achievement for you in 2024?
Julian: 2024 was a year of building the practice. At only one year in, establishing the legal and governance practice has been an exciting start to what I hope will be a long and successful chapter.
Q: What challenges did you face this year?
Julian: The biggest challenge this year has been getting the practice off the ground, especially navigating the complexities of establishing a new business and growing a client base. Building relationships in a highly regulated sector like legal has taken time and persistence.
Q: What trends do you believe will define the future of the legal sector?
Julian: In the legal sector, stakeholder management and commercial acumen will continue to be vital. There’s a growing emphasis on how legal teams can add value beyond traditional functions, becoming more integral to the broader business strategy.
Q: What are the most critical skills for executives in the legal sector in 2025?
Julian: As we move forward, executives in legal and governance roles will need to demonstrate a strong ability to manage stakeholders effectively and apply commercial acumen to solve business challenges. With increasing pressure on legal functions to contribute to overall business performance, these skills will be crucial.
Q: What do you see as the biggest hurdle for executives in the legal sector next year?
Julian: One of the biggest challenges executives will face is convincing organisations to invest in their legal functions. Many companies may still be underestimating the importance of a strong legal department, and executives will need to make a compelling business case for that investment.
Q: How can companies in the legal sector prepare for these upcoming challenges?
Julian: Companies should focus on making the office environment attractive. With hybrid and remote working becoming the norm, it’s important for companies to demonstrate the value of being in the office—creating an engaging and collaborative workspace where employees feel motivated and productive.
Q: How are hybrid and remote work models impacting the legal sector’s approach to leadership?
Julian: The challenge of not having people in the office is real. Hybrid and remote working can reduce engagement levels and impact productivity. Leadership must find ways to keep teams connected, ensure accountability, and maintain company culture without sacrificing flexibility.
Q: What changes in work models do you anticipate for the legal sector in 2025?
Julian: The ongoing pressure for employees to spend a minimum of three days per week in the office will likely continue. The hybrid model will persist, but companies will need to find innovative ways to bring people together in the office for collaboration and engagement.
Q: What one piece of advice would you give to leaders navigating the challenges in the legal sector?
Julian: My advice to leaders would be to focus on making the office an attractive place to work. As hybrid work models continue, it’s essential to help employees see the value of being in the office—whether through collaboration, professional development, or fostering a strong team culture.
Julian Ortner’s insights offer a roadmap for legal and governance leaders looking to navigate the evolving landscape of work and regulatory demands. As hybrid work continues to shape the sector, effective leadership will be key to ensuring organisations maintain productivity and engagement while fostering growth.
For organisations looking to hire senior leaders in legal, compliance, risk, and governance roles, Julian’s expertise in executive search provides invaluable support in building leadership teams capable of navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of modern business.
