In-House Counsel Chronicles

In this episode, I sit down with Natasha Bowman, General Counsel of NeilMed Pharmaceuticals to talk through her transition from litigation to leading the legal function of a family-owned business.We discuss: building legal systems from scratch; navigating the realities of being the sole in-house counsel; how AI is actually being used in day to day legal work; practical advice for networking and career growth; and unique considerations when supporting a family-owned businessHer perspective as a sole GC in a family-owned business is especially insightful.

In this episode, Valissa Turner Howard, Chief People Officer & General Counsel at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and I talk about: • Building a nontraditional path from law school to executive leadership • Lessons from the Inspector General’s office that still shape her decisions today • What it really looks like to lead both legal and HR • Using your legal career as a vehicle for community impactOne of my favorite takeaways: “Think intentionally about impact—not just title”

In this episode, Kristen Nelson, General Counsel at Chase Properties, joins me on In-House Counsel Chronicles to share her path from private practice to leading the legal function in a real estate organization.We talk about what it really means to be in-house: • Being part of the business, not just advising it • Building a team that fits your culture • Navigating change and growthOne of my favorite takeaways: “Be patient and always bet on yourself.”If you're in-house or thinking about the move, this one is worth a listen.

 In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner speaks with Jason Hollander, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Diebold Nixdorf, about his journey from business litigation in private practice to leading an in-house legal function. Jason shares insights on the realities of in-house work, the importance of serving as a trusted business partner, and how understanding both the business and regulatory landscape allows legal teams to deliver practical solutions. He also discusses the leadership skills that shape successful in-house lawyers, and how curiosity, mentorship, and openness to opportunity have influenced his career. The conversation explores the evolving role of AI in legal departments, highlighting both its efficiency benefits and the need for thoughtful human oversight. Jason closes with advice for aspiring in-house attorneys: stay curious, develop expertise, and focus on adding real value to the business. 

In this episode, I sit down with Omair Khan to explore a legal career shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and strategic risk taking.Omair shares how he built a strong foundation at two of the biggest law firms and ultimately transitioned in house at Trusted Health and Iodine now Waystar during a time of unprecedented change.We discuss:What tax training teaches you about business strategyNavigating regulatory compliance in healthcare during COVIDBuilding a legal function inside a high growth companyWhy AI governance is becoming essential for trust and innovationThe power of networking and mentorship for law students and junior lawyers

Join me as I dive into Sara Horvath's journey from law school to becoming a powerhouse in-house attorney!  Sara opens up about her journey from law school to becoming a General Counsel and how embracing a non-linear career path shaped her growth along the way. In this episode, Sarah reflects on building her foundation at Sidley Austin, transitioning in-house at Whirlpool, and stepping into a role with Ranpak that blends legal, business, and HR leadership. We talk about what it really means to be a “utility player,” how to navigate work-life integration, and why mentorship and curiosity matter so much early in your career.💡 Key takeaway: Your career path might not be linear, and that’s perfectly okay! Embrace unexpected turns and new opportunities. 

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner sits down with Celaena Powder, General Counsel at Seismic, a global leader in revenue enablement software.Celaena shares her journey from private practice to the in-house world, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of building a legal team from scratch and the leadership philosophy that guides her work. She discusses identifying opportunities for improvement within the legal department, navigating early-career responsibilities, and the importance of fostering a positive team culture.The conversation also explores her experiences with M&A, the value of learning through trial and error, and how in-house roles demand a broader strategic mindset than traditional outside counsel work.Beyond the office, Celaena gives us a glimpse into her personal passions—from woodworking in her own wood shop to her deep love of comic books, proving there’s a genre for everyone.Whether you're an aspiring in-house attorney or a seasoned legal professional, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful guidance.

In this episode, I sit down with Diane Gabl Kratz, JD, Director of IP Strategy & Operations at Dolby. Diane’s journey from studying physics at Cornell to leading an 18-person team at an IP powerhouse. Diane’s insights into leadership, technical expertise, and in-house strategy make this episode a standout.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner interviews Andrean Horton, an experienced legal professional who shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to Chief Legal Officer at Masterbrand. Andrean discusses her early interest in law, the importance of mentorship, and her transition from private practice to in-house roles. She reflects on the differences between public and private companies, her daily responsibilities, and the evolving expectations of in-house legal teams. Andrean also emphasizes the significance of technology in the legal field.

In this episode, Michele Abraham, VP of Global Corporate Compliance and Ethics at Lineage, shares her journey from private practice to impactful in-house leadership. She discusses the importance of taking a proactive, business-aligned approach to compliance, the value of authentic professional relationships, and how to successfully navigate the transition to in-house roles. Michele also explores the evolving role of AI in compliance and emphasizes the power of mentorship, curiosity, and continuous learning. Her story offers practical takeaways and fresh inspiration for anyone looking to grow and adapt in their legal career. 

In this episode, Shawna Rosner sits down with Alisha Cieslak, Chief Legal and Risk Officer at Gordon Food Service, to talk about her journey from law school to the C-suite.Alisha shares powerful insights on leadership, the evolving role of General Counsel, and how AI is transforming the legal landscape. She opens up about the pressures of being a young leader, the importance of mentorship, and why defining success on your own terms is key. Listen in and get inspired by Alisha’s journey and her forward-thinking approach to legal leadership. 

In this episode, Shawna sits down with Sarah Thomas, Chief Legal Officer and co-founder of Bridge, a healthcare startup transforming telemedicine access. From her early days in private practice to navigating the regulatory maze of telehealth, Sarah shares the unique challenges and opportunities presented by telehealth, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation delves into compliance issues, the future of telemedicine regulation, and the importance of collaboration with outside counsel. Sarah also offers valuable advice about how continuous learning and finding purpose in your work are key to long-term growth.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner speaks with Christi Braun, Deputy General Counsel of Scion Health. Christi shares her journey into law, her specialization in healthcare law, and her transition from government to in-house counsel. She discusses the operations of Scion Health, the role of a Deputy General Counsel, and the challenges faced in healthcare law. Christi highlights future trends in healthcare, including the impact of AI and the importance of value-based care. She also shares motivational advice for young attorneys, including “don’t be afraid to take chances”.

In this episode, Shawna Rosner sits down with Todd Pearson, General Counsel and Chief of Public Policy at Vibrant Emotional Health. Todd shares his unique journey from nursing in the Navy to practicing law, highlighting the significant changes in the healthcare industry over the past two decades. He discusses the differences between direct patient care and corporate healthcare, how the healthcare industry has seen a significant shift towards digital and virtual care since he started his legal career, why being a business partner is essential for in-house counsel success, and how he has found fulfillment from supporting vulnerable populations. Todd also offers valuable advice for new attorneys: "Embrace opportunities outside of your comfort zone."

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner sits down with Deborah Weisman, Deputy General Counsel at HireVue. Deborah shares her journey from private practice to becoming in-house counsel, offering insights into the transition and the broader role in-house attorneys play. She discusses the importance of adaptability, the shift from specialization to generalization, and what it means to serve as a strategic business advisor. Deborah also shares her perspective on the differences between working on M&A from the inside vs. as outside counsel, how remote work is impacting the legal profession, and the fast-evolving regulatory landscape around AI. For those aspiring to move in-house, she provides practical advice on navigating the path and thriving within a corporate legal team. 

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, Nancy Berardinelli-Krantz, shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Ohio to serving in the military to becoming the Chief Legal Officer at Grainger highlighting how her early life and time in the military helped shape her impressive path in the legal profession. Our discussion explores key themes such as leadership, workplace culture, and the growing impact of AI in the legal industry. Nancy underscores the importance of networking and a genuine passion for business as essential ingredients for a thriving in-house legal career. She also opens up about one regret she has, as she looks back. Tune in to hear Nancy's story and gain some actionable advice for your own career.

In this episode, Shawna Rosner speaks with Jessica Cohen, an in-house counsel attorney at Verizon, who shares her inspiring journey from working in the nonprofit sector to attending law school and ultimately finding her place at Verizon. She delves into her current role in regulatory affairs, where she focuses on emerging issues like AI, privacy, and cybersecurity.The conversation highlights the supportive culture at Verizon and the unique challenges and rewards of being a mid-career attorney. Jessica also underscores the ongoing importance of community service in her professional life. Drawing from her own experience, she offers insightful advice to aspiring in-house lawyers, particularly those considering a career pivot or seeking meaning in their legal work.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, Shawna Rosner sits down with Sarah Hamid, in-house attorney with a strong background in technology and regulatory compliance. From her early days at law school in London to her current leadership role at Walmart, Sarah shares the pivotal moments of her legal journey.She offers insight into the complexities of working in fast-paced sectors like technology and data privacy, and reflects on how the rapid evolution of AI is reshaping the legal landscape. Sarah underscores the value of continuous learning, strategic networking, and staying adaptable in a dynamic environment.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner speaks with Jen Noble, Senior Employee Benefits Counsel at Ford Motor Company. Jen shares her journey from law school to her current role, discussing her experiences in employee benefits law, the challenges of transitioning from a law firm to in-house counsel, and the impact of the pandemic on her career choices. She emphasizes the importance of finding balance in work and personal life, building relationships in a remote work environment, and how AI isn't (yet) able to answer employee benefits questions. Jen also highlights her community involvement and offers advice for aspiring in-house counsel, encouraging them to trust their instincts and pursue opportunities without hesitation.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner speaks with Tim Gutwald, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Mentavi, a telehealth company specializing in mental health care. Tim discusses the innovative asynchronous assessment process for diagnosing mental health conditions, the importance of a recent validation study Mentavi conducted, and his journey in healthcare law. He shares insights on the challenges of being the first in-house counsel, and collaborating with outside counsel. Tim also offers valuable advice for aspiring in-house counsel, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and gaining experience in corporate law.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner speaks with Joe Schohl, a seasoned General Counsel with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector. Joe shares his journey to becoming a General Counsel before the age of 40, outlining the seven key steps he took to achieve this goal. He discusses the differences between working in public and private companies, the importance of leadership in uncertain times, and the impact of AI on the legal profession. Joe also introduces his new initiative, Insight Council Academy, aimed at training in-house counsel to navigate the evolving legal landscape.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner interviews Arun Kottha, who shares his journey from starting his legal career during the 2008 financial crisis which shaped his approach to job security, to his position as lead attorney for Global Safety at Goodyear, to becoming General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer at Unison Risk Advisors. Arun discusses the evolving landscape of risk management and why he believes those responsible for overseeing risk management at big companies have to lean into the risk to be effective. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, building relationships "reputation and relationships matter", and why volunteering and community involvement are personal priorities for him.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner interviews Jonathan Leiken, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary of Dollar Tree, Inc. He's an experienced general counsel with a rich background in both private practice and in-house roles. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of being curious and open-hearted in one's legal career. He shares how General Counsels play a crucial role in navigating complex legal challenges for public companies. He also discusses the impact of global events, such as a global pandemic and the war in Ukraine, on legal responsibilities and the importance of humanity and civic engagement in the legal profession. Jonathan also highlights his passion for teaching the next generation of lawyers.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner interviews Kelley Barnett, Senior Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel at AmTrust. Kelley shares her journey from a prosecutor to a partner at a law firm and eventually to her current role in-house. She discusses the importance of relationship building including. "I'm a big believer in you don't need a title to lead. You can raise your hand and get access if you're good at your job and you relationship build". She also shares how she views herself as a trusted advisor and how necessary this is if you want to be a great in-house lawyer.  Kelley also highlights her community involvement, particularly with Ladder Down Cleveland, a program aimed at empowering women lawyers. She offers valuable advice for new lawyers and those aspiring to advance in their careers, emphasizing the significance of networking and developing a personal leadership style.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner interviews Amy Mutch, an experienced in-house counsel with a diverse legal background. Amy shares her journey from a big law firm to various in-house roles, discussing the challenges and rewards of transitioning to in-house counsel. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks, building confidence, and navigating the complexities of balancing family life with a legal career. Amy also offers valuable advice for aspiring in-house counsel, highlighting the significance of networking and understanding one's unique value in the job market.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner interviews Steve Eisenberg, General Counsel at Fullscript. They discuss Steve's transition from private practice to in-house counsel, his specialization in healthcare law, and the differences between working in publicly traded companies versus private equity. Steve shares insights on developing and managing a team, "work life balance" as in-house counsel, and the impact of AI on legal services. He also offers advice for aspiring in-house counsel, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and mentorship. Steve's insights on the development of his career provide tips for anyone looking to grow in their profession.

In this inaugural episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner interviews Niki Schaefer, Vice President and General Counsel of Reliability First Corporation. Niki shares her journey from law school to her current role, discussing her experiences in litigation, her transition to in-house counsel, and the lessons learned during her time at Eaton Corporation. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with outside counsel, developing a personal leadership style, and the significance of self-awareness and personal growth in her career. Niki also offers valuable advice for aspiring in-house attorneys, encouraging them to find what they love about the legal profession and to actively shape their career paths.