Cockpit Counsel Podcast

Alissa Harrington, Deputy General Counsel at All Elite Wrestling (AEW), joins us on this episode of Cockpit Counsel. We’ll dive into the unique challenges of working in sports and entertainment law, from intellectual property and risk management to the evolving role of AI in the legal space. Whether you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes legal work of professional wrestling or looking for insights on navigating a dynamic in-house legal career, this episode is packed with expert advice and compelling stories from the industry.Key Takeaways:- Navigating legal challenges in sports and entertainment- Balancing good vs. bad use of AI - Pulling back the curtain on the legal team the day of a show- Intellectual property considerations in professional wrestling- Tips for breaking into the sports and entertainment field- And much more!If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to handle legal matters in the high-energy world of professional sports, this episode is for you.

Ashley Adams, Director, Legal Operations, returns again to share her expertise and deliver even more invaluable insights. This time, she’ll offer actionable strategies for building and leading high-performing legal operations teams, nurturing talent, and forging meaningful connections across your organization—all aimed at advancing your career to new heights.Key takeaways:- How to lead with purpose and position yourself for your next career goal- Strategies to build stronger connections within your organization- Tips for identifying mentors who can guide and support your professional growth- Approaches to overcome career challenges with confidence- And much more!Don’t miss this engaging and actionable discussion designed to help you unlock new opportunities and accelerate your career.

Nina Blackshear, Senior Counsel at Spark Therapeutics and Certified Executive Coach, joins us on this episode of Cockpit Counsel to discuss transferable skills essential for in-house legal professionals. From advice for overcoming imposter syndrome to discussing what it means to be an authentic leader, Nina offers practical career advice for navigating the in-house legal landscape.Key takeaways:- How to identify transferable skills to help in the transition to in-house careers- Tips on connecting and building relationships across different teams within the company- Advice on how to leverage “authentic leadership” as a first-time leader- And more!Don't miss this inspiring and practical discussion designed to help you thrive in your career! Watch now!Learn more about LinkSquares here: www.LinkSquares.com

Matt Nolan, Assistant General Counsel at Honeywell, joins us on this episode of Cockpit Counsel to share his insights on managing an in-house legal career. From evaluating career opportunities to thriving in new roles, Matt offers practical advice for navigating the unique challenges of the in-house legal world with curiosity and flexibility.Key Takeaways:How to evaluate opportunities at different stages of your careerQuestions to ask during interviews and early in a new roleBuilding relationships and adapting to new cultures as an in-house lawyerTips for transitioning to leadership and staying marketable in your careerKnowing when it’s time to take on your next challengeWhether you’re new to in-house roles or looking to level up your career, this episode is packed with actionable advice and strategies for success. Tune in!

Rosemary Kuperberg, VP, Privacy (Chief Privacy Officer) and Deputy General Counsel at Demandbase, joins us on this episode of Cockpit Counsel. We’ll explore what every in-house legal professional needs to know about building a rock-solid privacy program. Whether you’re mapping out compliance strategies or navigating the notoriously tricky balance between business goals and regulatory requirements, this conversation delivers a wealth of practical advice straight from an expert in the field.Key Takeaways:Why every in-house counsel is (like it or not) a privacy lawyerEssential steps to building and maintaining a compliance programStaying ahead of evolving privacy laws and regulationsProblem-solving tips for aligning business goals with compliance needsAnd so much more!If you’ve been looking for ways to sharpen your privacy law expertise—or just survive the next wave of GDPR-style updates—this episode is for you. Tune in!

Mitch Bragg, General Counsel and VP of Commercial Operations at Q-Centrix, joins us on this episode of Cockpit Counsel. We’ll talk leadership, the art of managing a high-impact lean legal team, and much more. Tune in to discover insights on retaining and developing talent within legal teams, along with effective strategies for navigating increased workloads and tight deadlines with limited resources. Key Takeaways:How to create a cohesive team in a remote environmentKey traits to consider when hiring new talentEffectively prioritizing tasks and responsibilitiesAnd more! Get valuable tips to take your legal team to the next level. Tune in!

Shai Mehani, CEO and Co-Founder of In-House Connect, joins us on Cockpit Counsel to chat about networking, entrepreneurship, and more. With years of experience as in-house counsel and daily interactions with leaders from various organizations, Shai shares valuable insights and lessons learned from building and maintaining a community for in-house pros. Key Takeaways:How to build cross-functional relationships in a new role Staying up to date on changing regulations and industry trendsThoughts on building your brand as a legal pro And more! Tune in for practical networking tips and some career inspiration.

Greg Anderson is Vice President and Chief Privacy Officer at The E.W. Scripps Company. In this 30-minute webinar, Greg will discuss insights from his career as a technology lawyer, share his perspective on what it means to be a connected company, and the role contracts play in that vision. Key Takeaways:The importance of contextualizing dataEnsuring the legal team is viewed as a value-add Building relationships and earning trust across the organization And more! Tune in to this conversation on becoming a connected company.

Meet Matt Pinkham, the CLO at Specialty Program Group. He was previously an M&A Attorney and brings his expertise to the show, with a focus on being a problem-solver in the in-house world. Tune in for his perspective on M&A, building strong relationships, and more.Key Takeaways:Approaching an acquisition and how Matt’s strategy has evolvedTransitioning from a firm to an in-house leadership roleWhy you can’t simply advise as an in-house legal leaderAnd more!

In this short episode, Tim gives his take on how to close the year strong and shares his thoughts on end-of-year negotiations.

In this short episode, Tim gives his take on what legal teams should consider when adopting AI at their organization.

Let’s talk M&A! David Edgar is a Partner (M&A, Securities, and Governance) at K&L Gates. He also created the “Knowing Something" M&A in a Minute video series on LinkedIn where he simplifies the M&A and deal world and communicates it in an understandable way. In this 30-minute conversation, we’ll discuss M&A and working with outside counsel. Tune in to learn about M&A from David’s perspective, including how he partners with in-house attorneys, what is helpful (and what isn't), and much more.

Identifying efficiencies and process improvements is essential in all areas, from legal operations to deal desk and beyond. Dee Venello transitioned from a legal operations role to Senior Manager, Deal Desk - Business Operations at Commvault. She has since moved into a new role as Senior Global Enablement Specialist. Dee joined us on the show during her time as Senior Manager of Deal Desk - Business Operations to share lessons learned from her transition from legal operations to the deal desk team, including key relationships to build, KPIs to track, and more.

Tim shares his perspective on articulating the value of legal tech to non-legal stakeholders. He highlights the importance of communicating the outcomes you'll achieve with the technology, instead of specific features.

In this short episode, Tim responds to a listener's question about how to secure a promotion in-house.

Robert Ball, Enlace Health's Chief Legal Officer, has held many significant roles in his career – from General Counsel to Chief Business Development Officer and beyond. One thing he is passionate about in any role is being a “dealmaker” instead of a “dealbreaker”. In this Cockpit Counsel episode, Robert shares key lessons on strategic dealmaking. He highlights the importance of:Grasping the business goals of a deal Navigating negotiations for the company Recognizing the accounting and finance implications of an agreementAnd more! Listen to ensure you’re known as a dealmaker at your organization.Timestamps02:02: Preflight Rituals and Personal Insights06:06: The Impact of Accounting on Legal Perspective08:36: Navigating the Deal Process10:39: Understanding Your Role in Negotiations12:41: Identifying and Addressing "Bad Deals"19:12: Navigating Startup Challenges25:16: Building Relationships with the Board28:08: Insights on In-House Legal Work30:16: Advocating for Alzheimer's Awareness

Tim Parilla responds to a listener's question about the difference between the GC and CLO roles.

The work of legal operations teams is crucial for the company's success, and their internal reputation is equally important. This episode of Cockpit Counsel features Hayley McNeill, Manager of Legal Operations at Zywave. Hayley shares her perspective on building and leading a top-notch legal operations team, strategic problem-solving, and fostering connections across the organization as a trusted expert.

In this short episode, Tim answers a listener's question about how to be a better business partner.

In this short video, Tim answers a listener's question about how to become a people manager for the first time.

Ready to explore the world of AI with an industry expert? Zaihra Ahmed is Manager, Counsel (Privacy, Product, AI) at HubSpot, where she manages and advises on AI ethics risk assessments and AI products and services.Don’t miss this episode of Cockpit Counsel where Zaihra shares her expertise, insights on the state of AI for in-house legal, and valuable tips for guiding other teams in their assessment of AI-driven solutions.Key takeaways:How AI is transforming the workplaceAI from an ethical perspective Understanding risk without stifling innovation And more! Tune in for insights on how to navigate the ever-changing winds of AI.

In this short episode, Tim answers a listener's question about how to navigate disputes over venue and choice of law.

Albert Tawil has always had an entrepreneurial mindset. Formerly an Associate at Fenwick & West, he is now the Founder & CEO of Lateral Hub & Summer Associate Hub. This episode of Cockpit Counsel dives into his career trajectory, how he transitioned from Big Law to Founder & CEO, and many lessons learned along the way. Join Tim and Albert as they discuss the importance of viewing issues holistically rather than just from a legal perspective and share valuable advice to ensure you reach your full potential. Key takeawaysExploring the story behind Lateral Hub & Summer Associate Hub The importance of taking the initiative and sharing your passion Productivity and time management strategiesAnd more! Tune in to discover strategies for unlocking your full potential.

In this short episode, Tim shares his thoughts on cybersecurity and how to build out a program. He highlights identifying a champion within the organization outside of legal and staying informed on ever-changing laws.

Let’s talk data and legal ops! This episode of Cockpit Counsel features Celina Grippo, Senior Manager of Contracts & Legal Operations at Tealium Inc. She shares her career journey and invaluable insights into the legal operations world.Tune in with Tim and Celina as they discuss legal operations, data utilization, presenting team output, task prioritization, and achieving work-life balance. Gain valuable advice and firsthand experiences from Celina that will elevate your performance as an in-house pro.Key takeawaysIdentifying your team’s needs and aligning them with corporate goals The value of legal technology Change management tips And more! Listen to learn about harnessing legal data in-house!

In this short video, Tim gives his take on how to attain work-life balance on your legal team. He highlights the importance of setting boundaries and shifting your mindset.

Omar Sweiss is the CEO of JusticeBid, a diversity analytics and e-sourcing company transforming how companies embed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into their business operations through data intelligence and transparency tools. In this episode of Cockpit Counsel, Tim and Omar will dive into Omar’s personal and professional journey, how he is making an impact through entrepreneurship and building businesses, and discuss the importance of diversity in the legal profession.Key takeawaysJusticeBid’s mission and what’s next for the company How Omar embodies the philosophy of servant leadership Advice for building relationships and trust in-house And more! Tune in to learn about diversity, entrepreneurship, and more.

In this short episode, Tim gives his take on managing escalations as an in-house legal leader.

Laurie David-Henric is a Global Legal Operations Executive, Operations & Strategy Leader, and former Legal COO. In this episode of Cockpit Counsel, Laurie and Tim will discuss strategies for applying business processes to the practice of law and Laurie’s experiences building functions from the ground up. We’ll explore Laurie’s career path, her take on running legal like a business, and much more.Key Takeaways Designing a legal ops roadmapChange management tips for legal ops Building bridges across the org in a new roleAnd more! It’s time to "run legal like a business" (Thank you, Connie Brenton). Tune in today!

Tim gives his take on how legal can avoid being siloed from other business units. He highlights the importance of proactive communication, building relationships, and having a fundamental understanding of the business.

Curt McDaniel is Chief Legal Officer and Board Secretary at Ferring Pharmaceuticals. In this episode of Cockpit Counsel, we'll delve into insights gained from his journey — from sixteen years at Eli Lilly to his time as a fiction writer and beyond.Curt and Tim discuss the importance of distinguishing high-risk and complex matters from lower-risk and complexity issues, why leveraging technology for the latter is a valuable investment, and more thoughts on legal operations and innovation. Key takeaways Driving innovation as a legal leader The importance of data and legal tech Thoughts on authenticity as an in-house professional And more! Tune in to learn about legal ops, legal tech, and much more. Watch today!Timestamps 01:22: Curt’s Career Journey05:41: Legal Operations and Team Profile07:11: Implementing Change in Legal Operations08:45: Focus on Data and Business Results10:35: Managing Outside Counsel and Legal Costs12:22: Standardizing Legal Agreements15:33: Legal Tech Journey20:20: Factors Leading to Adoption of Legal Tech22:55: Predictions and Advice for Legal Tech24:24: Building Cross-Functional Relationships

In this short episode, Tim gives his take on how to build trust with the CEO. He highlights the importance of consistency, demonstrating an understanding of the business, contextualizing the advice that you're giving, and being inquisitive.

Ashley Adams, Director, Legal Operations at Contentful, believes focusing on people first is the key to success. Join us on the next episode of Cockpit Counsel for insights on building and guiding top-performing legal ops teams, nurturing talent, and creating connections throughout the organization.Ashley shares her career journey from HR to Legal Operations, advice for establishing a legal ops function at your organization, change management and stakeholder management tips, plus much more. Key Takeaways Identifying quick wins for everybody Dealing with skepticism in legal ops Creating a positive and effective team dynamicAnd more! Tune in for the legal ops and people tips you can’t afford to miss!

In this short episode Tim shares his number one tip for managing the end of the quarter as a legal pro. He covers the importance of hard work, visibility, and maintaining an air of calm to communicate directly in high-stress environments.

Ross Greenman has a captivating career story to tell on the this episode of Cockpit Counsel, packed with lessons learned along the way. Tune in for advice on career shifts, the importance of collaborating across teams, and work-life balance in-house.Timestamps05:27: Early Career and Transition to Hospitality17:21: Taking a Risk and Making a Leap 21:02: Networking and Meeting Industry Executives24:26: Importance of Legal Work Product Forms31:47: Balancing Business and Legal Perspectives37:46: Building a Legal Team at KSL40:45: Leveraging Outside Legal Resources41:34: Prioritizing Work as a Lean Legal Team44:43: Rapid Fire Questions: Working In-House and Career Transitions

In this short episode, you'll hear Tim's thoughts on how legal leaders can build influence within their company by ensuring their team operates efficiently and communicates effectively. Discover the key strategies to enhance collaboration and drive impactful changes outside the legal team.

In this episode of Cockpit Counsel, David Sclar delves into effectively managing the expectations of non-legal professionals in corporate settings. He also explores strategic approaches to address challenges that extend beyond the basics.

In this short episode, Tim shares his perspective on being a legal team of one and advice on achieving success while flying solo.

Donato Latrofa is General Counsel at Incident IQ, where they are transforming how school districts provide and manage services. Before Incident IQ, Donato held roles as Staff Judge Advocate at the Air National Guard and Defense Attorney at the United States Air Force. On this episode of Cockpit Counsel, Donato and Tim will cover the value of learning through experience, balancing legal risk vs. benefits to the business, and more ways Military principles can be applied to in-house work.Key takeawaysLessons learned transitioning from public service to the private world Being an effective legal team of one How Incident IQ relies on tech as they scale And more!

Tune in to this short episode where Tim shares his perspective on how to build a strong network, why some of the best mentors are non-legal professionals, and more.

Ashlyn Donohue has some strategic insights you won't want to miss. From crafting playbooks to closing deals and leveraging data on your legal team, this Cockpit Counsel episode is packed with the perspectives and advice that drive success on any legal team. Ashlyn will share hard-earned best practices from her time as Manager of Deal Management Contract Systems at Oracle, being the first Legal Ops hire at HubSpot, and joining the legal team at LinkSquares. Key takeaways Strategies for creating playbooksChange management tips The importance of adaptabilityAnd more! Timestamps 01:41: Transitioning Roles and Career Growth05:39: Approach to Playbooks11:27: Implementation of Playbooks15:56: Change Management and Transparency18:22: Dealing with Non-negotiable Legal Issues22:52: Memorable Deal Experiences30:56: Embracing Failure and Learning from Mistakes36:38: Rapid Fire Questions

Tim shares his perspective on the significance of using data to make decisions, evaluate the consistency of your legal team, and more.

Regardless of where you're at in your professional journey, it's crucial to make career management a top priority. This episode of Cockpit Counsel features Mosah Goodman, attorney and President of Top Talent Advocates, which helps executives and attorneys secure new roles and manage their careers. He’s got the advice you need to land your next role and plan for the future intentionally.Mosah also hosts the Hiring Insights Podcast, where he shares insights and tips on executive hiring, job search strategy, interview preparation, compensation negotiation, resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and more. Check out this episode to hear from a pro.You'll Learn:How to maximize professional opportunities Tips for advancing your career and making yourself marketable The current job market for in-house and executive roles And more! Ready to ascend your legal career? Tune in today.Timestamps02:19: Career Path and Top Talent Advocates05:07: Company Growth and Structure07:40: Job Market for Attorneys and Executives12:01: Career Advancement in In-House Legal Roles17:50: Reasons for Going In-House24:16: Personal and Professional Management27:05: Diverse Career Paths31:18: Insights from the Hiring Insights Podcast

Tim shares his perspective on crisis management. He highlights the importance of understanding what you can control and breaking things down into small manageable pieces.

In this segment of Tim's Take, Tim shares his perspective on the elements of legal work that can be enhanced by legal tech. Tune in to learn why he advocates for using technology to simplify processes.

As a legal professional, your work is highly visible and heavily relied on – so it’s crucial to work effectively with the executive team. On this episode of Cockpit Counsel, Bob Cahill is climbing on board. With both CEO and CFO experience, he's teaming up with Tim Parilla, CLO at LinkSquares, to share his insights.This candid conversation will help you understand and meet expectations across the C-suite, build relationships, and much more. Key takeawaysThe evolution of the GC role and expectationsInsights on leadership and talent developmentThe importance of data-driven decision making And more! Timestamps 01:47: Bob’s Career Path 03:49: Early Stage Company Experience05:23: Challenges of Leadership and Talent Development07:25: Evolution of General Counsel Role09:51: Expectations and Evolution in Legal Role10:25: Data-Driven Decision Making13:03: Centralization of Data and Business Intelligence14:30: Challenges of Transitioning to CEO19:22: Communication Tips for CLO and CEO Relationship24:35: Managing Risk and Understanding Business Objectives26:51: Embracing Technology29:12: Transitioning to Leadership Roles30:33: Developing Management and People Skills32:16: Legal's Role in Hard Conversations with the Executive Team33:07: Leading Teams in a Remote Environment35:12: Charitable Cause: Michael J Foxx Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/

Tim shares his perspective on weighing potential risk vs. business needs when advising the company on a decision. He highlights the importance of understanding and internalizing what the business is trying to accomplish before weighing the legal risk.

Transitioning careers as a legal professional can be a daunting task. The move from Big Law to an in-house product counsel position presents its own set of unique challenges. Listen to this episode of Cockpit Counsel and learn from someone who's been there and done it successfully.Meet Mannat Sharma, product counsel at a major tech company. She's built a TikTok community of legal professionals, sharing her career journey and advice. From valuable frameworks for a career transition to insightful guidance on setting boundaries, you don’t want to miss this conversation. Key takeawaysSkills that are most important to in-house success Time-saving hacks and tips to steer clear of burnoutThe importance of community as a legal pro And more! Timestamps 01:44: Career Path and Transition to In-House Role05:15: Transition from Big Law to In-House Role05:57: Experience as Product Counsel07:55: Sharing Experience on TikTok14:48: Differences in Working In-House vs. at a Firm16:57: Understanding Business as In-House Counsel17:53: Importance of Providing Clear, Actionable Advice19:38: Building Confidence and Taking a Position20:06: Collaboration and Communication with Business Counterparts21:47: Leveraging Colleagues for Challenging Conversations23:57: Managing Escalations and Decision-Making29:42: Work-Life Balance and Personal Well-being31:40: Frameworks for Life and Career Decisions32:58: Productivity Tips35:14: Rapid Fire Questions36:10: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: https://www.aspca.org/

Check out this short episode where Tim shares his thoughts on the importance of building a strong relationship with the board as a legal leader.

DescriptionRob Chesnut is the former General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer at Airbnb, and Author of the Bestseller Intentional Integrity: How Smart Companies Can Lead An Ethical Revolution. Earlier in his career, Rob was the Senior Vice President, Trust and Safety at eBay. It’s safe to say, he’s got stories to share that you won’t want to miss!This episode of Cockpit Counsel is all about the importance of integrity in the workplace and how legal can effectively promote a culture of integrity. Key takeawaysDefining integrity and how Rob drove integrity into the culture at AirbnbCommon “integrity traps” for companies, and how to avoid them Leadership advice and traits of an effective legal leaderAnd more! Timestamps00:29: Rob Chesnut’s Introduction and Background 17:53: Managing Up: Integrity19:08: Vulnerability and Integrity Moments21:46: Potential for Integrity Problems30:22: The Importance of Transparency and Trust35:40: Navigating Gray Areas37:21: Defining Company Values41:19: Rob’s Integrity Class at Airbnb45:45: Integrity in Regulated Industries48:13: Career Growth Advice50:11: Impact of Supporting Families (Check out Safe & Sound here!)