From Big Law To ‘Retirement’ And Beyond: Mike Sennett’s Second Act As General Counsel

What does a “retirement” career look like for a Big Law antitrust partner? In this exclusive interview, we speak with Mike Sennett—former antitrust partner at Jones Day—about his unconventional transition to General Counsel of the Water Quality Association (WQA). After decades handling complex global deals, cartel cases, and evolving regulatory challenges, Sennett found a rewarding “second act” he jokingly calls his retirement years. He shares insights on the evolution of U.S. antitrust law, why qualitative arguments matter beyond the HHI index, and the skills needed to navigate global regulation. Most importantly, Sennett reflects on how senior lawyers can find meaningful GC roles that offer impact and responsibility—without running a massive legal department. Tune in. This is a thoughtful blueprint for experienced lawyers looking to scale back without stepping away.