Are GCs the "conscience of the corporation"? Just what does that mean anyway?

One of the greatest challenges attorneys have in transitioning to corporate counsel is understanding how the role of outside counsel differs from the role of in-house counsel and, in particular, the role of general counsel. Frequently, we hear the GC is the "conscience of the company," but what exactly does that mean? And how does it play out day to day?

Robert F Cusumano, partner in Crowell & Moring's New York office, tackles the issue in InsideCounsel's essay "The Conscience Role: What Does it Mean?"