Don H. Liu, former executive vice president and chief legal & risk officer at Target Corporation, shared insights with an audience of general counsel, aspiring general counsel, and other legal executives in Chicago at ALM’s GCC Summit.
This was a conversation that could have gone in many directions, and—though unlikely—a devilish part of me hoped for a scintillating peek into the inner workings of Target’s C-suite.
Not this year. However, Mr. Liu did not disappoint.
An unassuming speaker, he offered advice through the narrative of his career, emphasizing work ethic, hinting at what a lawyer looks like, and underscoring the role of lawyers as influential executives.
But one word struck me: BREVITY.
As soon as he said it, I scribbled it—bold, underscored.
In his remarks, Mr. Liu not only demonstrated the power of brevity, he also spoke to its value as a tool for lawyers and business executives. Long known as “the office of no,” he encouraged both in-house and outside counsel to simplify their messaging—and to simply say “yes” when possible.
We were lucky to see Mr. Liu speak in person—and we now await the news he hinted at: his next big move.
Published April 9, 2025.
