Recap of New(er) to In House Counsel Program

Alex Gwynn is a Black woman with black hair and brown eyes. She is wearing a red and white shirt, black glasses, and dark jacket.Clara CottrellBy Sheila Spence, Alexandria Gwynn, and Clara Cottrell

The New(er) to In House Counsel Program was held on Oct. 27 at the Bar Center. The purpose of the program was to provide firsthand experiences on what it’s like to work in house and to help those who are transitioning to in house within the first seven years of practice. Clara Cottrell opened the session with a warm welcome and opening remarks. Corporate Counsel Section Chair, Tammy Nicholson, spoke on the benefits of joining the section and upcoming events. Sheila Spence introduced the Knowledge Resource Committee and showed the participants how to access the available resources under the NCBA Community Page.

Panelists Brad Roehenbeck, Jane Paksoy, and Geneva Yourse gave valuable advice to section members on lessons learned during their time in house. Brad gave tips on how newer to in-house lawyers can demonstrate value to their organization. Jane’s advice centered on how to support a global enterprise as a subject matter expert. Geneva provided insight on evaluating company culture. Participants left with a renewed perspective and actionable tips on how to successfully navigate in-house roles early in their legal practice.

Sarah Levitt, an executive level coach, shared the skills necessary for the legal department to set it itself out as a strategic asset to our business partners. Her insights also highlighted the demands and drivers for our business partners, then translated those demands into how our skills as legal professionals can support them. The key areas she identified honed in on the relationship building and self-reflection we should be engaging in to elevate our roles to reach that strategic asset level.

The program concluded with a networking lunch where attendees were able to make new connections and share insights.

Interested in more events with the Corporate Counsel Section? Be on the look out for information on the Corporate Counsel Section Annual CLE program in January and a service project/social event in the spring!

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