The general counsel for a corporation or other organization represents the organization itself, and not the individuals it represents. This can be very confusing if you do not pay attention to it because a general counsel will seek direction from one or more of the organization’s principles. It is the duty of the counsel to determine who represents the organization and in what capacity. That means if the interests of either an employee, officer, director, or shareholder conflicts with the organization, counsel will look out for the organization’s best interest in conflict with that of the individuals.