Shaping the In-house Profession: A Conversation with Irene Kuo

In this episode of Counsel Connect, Irene Kuo shares a candid and practical perspective on the realities of life as in-house counsel, from building trust and setting boundaries with stakeholders to navigating the isolation that can come with the role. She reflects on her journey to Perth, and her time at Fortescue, Rio Tinto and currently as a Director at Fluor Australia, alongside her leadership roles as the Immediate Past President of the Association of Corporate Counsel (WA Division) and an Advisory Board Member at UWA Law School.In this conversation we explore the rapid evolution of legal technology and AI, accountability and human agency within organisations, advising strong-willed leaders, and what in-house counsel truly value from their external advisers. The Counsel Connect Podcast is a dedicated resource for in-house counsel in Western Australia. Produced by Jackson McDonald and hosted by Marcus Pullen, Partner Disputes Resolution and NFP President, the series explores the legal, policy and public interest issues shaping the work of corporate legal teams across the State.Subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes.------------------------------------------------------------Want to be a guest in a future episode or have a topic you want us to cover? Email us at: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/company/jackson-mcdonald⁠⁠Website:⁠ ⁠www.jacmac.com.au⁠Connect with Marcus Pullen: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjpullen/⁠------------------------------------------------------------Chapters: (00:00) Welcome to Council Connect(02:52) Building Trust & Boundaries(04:41) In-House Reality Check(06:13) Moving to Perth(07:31) Why In-House Can Feel Isolating (and How to ‘Phone a Friend’)(09:59) ACC’s Role(12:53) Creating Direct Pathways: Grad Programs, Internships & Training Juniors(15:26) Law School vs Real Practice(18:26) Legal Tech & AI Evolution(27:14) AI in Law School(29:53) Accountability & Agency(32:35) AI for Small Teams(37:22) What In-House Really Wants(42:08) Avoiding Court When Possible(43:27) Advising Strong-Willed Leaders(51:19) Career Advice for Aspiring In-House Leaders(53:59) What Brings Joy ------------------------------------------------------------Produced by Podwave StudiosMusic from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/light-prism/faded-beamsLicense code: BLWBQNZFIFV4LLLN