BarkerGilmore is recognized as the nation’s leading Executive Search and Coaching firm, dedicated exclusively to the recruitment and professional development of Chief Legal Officers, General Counsel, In-House Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officers. Our 20-year commitment to confidentiality, quality, and the long-term success of the clients and candidates we serve has earned their trust and respect, which is the performance benchmark we seek.
For more information, visit: www.barkergilmore.com.
Our Mission Statement
BarkerGilmore’s mission is to build, develop, and optimize in-house legal and compliance teams through an unwavering commitment to quality, diversity, and long-term success.
Our Values
The Right Leader, Every Time
When the cost of a leadership misstep is measured in boardroom trust, regulatory exposure, and strategic disruption, precision matters. BarkerGilmore specializes
exclusively in legal and compliance executive search and coaching. We connect organizations with transformative leaders and equip them to deliver lasting impact.
Trusted Guidance for CEOs, CHROs, and GCs
Whether you’re a CEO preparing for a strategic transaction, a CHRO safeguarding reputation with a pivotal hire, or a General Counsel shaping the next generation of your team, you deserve a partner who knows what gravitas looks like — and how to build it.
Confidence Today, Strength Tomorrow
BarkerGilmore delivers leaders who inspire confidence from the start, along with coaching that ensures lasting success. Take the first step toward a trusted hire and a stronger future.
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has expanded with the addition of Laura J. Schumacher as a senior advisor. In this position, Ms. Schumacher will provide guidance and professional development to general counsels and other executives. She brings expertise in the healthcare industry to the firm’s healthcare and life
As the private equity space continues to grow, consistent demand for lawyers and compliance officers at both the firm and portfolio company level has boosted the outlook of these roles. “This is generating a noticeable impact on compensation and responsibilities for these professionals,” said John Gilmore, founding partner of BarkerGilmore, in a new report from
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has assisted in the recruitment of Babatunde Awodiran as the new senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary of XPEL, a global provider of protective films and coatings, in San Antonio, TX. The search was led by Stephen Bell, a managing director
Beyond the ever-increasing level of connectivity and complexity in the business environment, emerging issues in the last several years have re-shaped priorities for public companies in areas ranging from human capital management to political activity and data security. Growing social movements have brought a sharper focus to diversity, equity, and inclusion from investors, employees, and
Pittsford, NY (May 15, 2024) — BarkerGilmore, a boutique executive search firm recognized for helping companies build world-class legal and compliance departments nationwide, released its annual 2024 In-House Counsel Compensation Report today. The data was collected from thousands of in-house counsel across the United States via an online survey administered in March 2024. “From the
Fairport, NY (January 10, 2024) — BarkerGilmore, a boutique executive search firm recognized for helping companies build world-class legal and compliance departments nationwide, released its 2024 Aspiring General Counsel Report today. The data was collected from a random sample of in-house counsel throughout the United States via an online survey administered in September 2023. “BarkerGilmore
Fairport, NY (November 28, 2023) — BarkerGilmore, a boutique executive search firm recognized for helping companies build world-class legal and compliance departments nationwide, released its 2023 General Counsel Succession Report today. The data was collected from a random sample of general counsel throughout the United States via an online survey administered in September 2023. “General
Fairport, NY (November 9, 2023) – BarkerGilmore, an in-house legal and compliance executive search, coaching, and advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Paulette Dodson as senior advisor. With a track record of providing guidance to executive leadership and boards, Paulette’s role extends to executive coaching, succession planning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting for the firm’s clients. “Paulette
Blogs:
Leadership Profiles: Haydee Olinger
Investing in General Counsel: The ROI of Coaching and Advising
General Counsel in the Age of Disruption: What Changes, What Endures
Leadership Profiles: David Yawman
“ChatGPT Told Me Something Different”: How GCs Handle AI-Generated Legal Advice
Adapt or Be Automated: What Junior Lawyers Need to Know About AI’s Impact on Their Careers
How the Modern General Counsel Elevates Value Through Strategic Leadership
Leadership Profiles: Paulette Dodson
Trusted Advisors: Essential Partners for General Counsel in Critical Moments
GC Compensation 2025: How to Negotiate with Clarity and Confidence
The Rise of the Chief Legal Officer Title Over General Counsel
6 Traits That Drive Growth for Legal and Compliance Leaders
Leadership Profiles: Ed Nekritz
Leadership Profiles: Peter Ganz
Leadership Profiles: Marla Persky
The Legal Department COO: Why Every General Counsel Needs an Internal Strategic Operations Partner
Leadership Profiles: David Rowan
How to Become a General Counsel: A Strategic Roadmap
Ask These Proven Interview Questions to Discover Top In-House Legal Talent
BarkerGilmore’s 2025 Legal and Compliance Market Outlook: 5 Key Predictions
5 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time to Seek a New Legal or Compliance Opportunity
6 Tips for Legal and Compliance Professionals to Prepare for their Performance Review
To view all of BarkerGilmore’s blogs, please visit: https://barkergilmore.com/blog/
Research:
The GC-Board Alignment Gap
2025 Private Equity Portfolio Company General Counsel Compensation Report
2025 General Counsel Pay Trends Report
2025 Chief Compliance Officer Compensation Report
BarkerGilmore’s 2025 In-House Counsel Compensation Report
11 Questions About Gravitas You Always Wanted to Ask
Joining and Serving on a Board of Directors: 24 Practical Insights Legal Professionals Need to Know
2024 General Counsel Compensation Report
2024 Chief Compliance Officer Compensation Report
2024 Portfolio Company General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Compensation Report
2024 Aspiring General Counsel Report
To view all of BarkerGilmore’s research, please visit: https://barkergilmore.com/research-report/
Case Studies:
To view BarkerGilmore’s case studies, please visit: https://barkergilmore.com/case-study/