The Upside of Both: Lessons from In-House and Private Practice (with Global Franchise Lawyer, Brittany Johnson)

“The goal was never to be the department of ‘no’. The goal was to find a way for the business to proceed while identifying the risks that you are willing to take and those that you are not.” - Brittany JohnsonWhat do in-house lawyers actually want from outside counsel?After spending more than a decade inside one of the most recognizable brands in the world, Brittany Johnson has a surprisingly clear, and uncomplicated, answer.In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey sit down with Brittany Johnson to talk about her journey from Big Law associate to leading licensing and expansion work at a global brand, and why she recently made the decision to return to private practice.Along the way, Brittany shares what life inside a global brand really looked like, the lessons she learned working alongside business leaders, and why the best outside counsel don't just identify risks, they stand by their team and share in the responsibility of all decisions made.You’ll hear about:Why Brittany left her "dream job" to begin a new chapterThe anxiety dream that perfectly captured career transitionsWhat surprised her most about moving from private practice to in-houseWhy in-house lawyers are rarely the most important voice in the roomThe difference between identifying risks and helping businesses make decisionsThe business development mistakes that immediately turn in-house counsel offWhy relationships with in-house lawyers are often a long gameWhat outside counsel can do to become indispensable partnersThe brands Brittany is watching right nowHow a non-billable assignment changed the course of her career foreverAbout Brittany Johnson:Brittany Johnson is a franchise and licensing attorney with more than a decade of experience spanning both private practice and in-house legal leadership. Throughout her career, she has advised brands on growth, expansion, licensing, and strategic partnerships, helping businesses navigate complex legal and commercial challenges.Today, Brittany brings her unique perspective as both a former in-house business partner and outside counsel to help emerging and established brands grow thoughtfully and sustainably. Her practice focuses on franchising, licensing, and building practical legal solutions that support business objectives.Learn More:Franchising for DummiesThis episode is brought to you by: Vista ConsultingVista Consulting helps law firms navigate the rapidly shifting landscape of private equity and MSO-driven transactions. They serve as strategic advisors to firms preparing for acquisition, merger, or partnership, strengthening operations, aligning leadership, and pressure-testing financial performance. Their hands-on experience ensures firms enter the market organized, confident, and positioned to maximize value when it matters most for long-term success ahead. For more information, check out their Law Firm Owner’s Guide to PE Readiness here or explore Vista Consulting’s M&A advisory services for law firms considering a sale.Stay Connected:Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human. Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat!Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer Ramsey