Article by Alan R. Boynton, Jr. / McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
The reality for almost every business is that not all of its employees are going to be happy in their jobs and that, at any given time, one or more is going to be seeking greener pastures. Many times those pastures are owned by competitors, and any business owner or CEO who fails to anticipate and plan for employee defections may also be inviting the loss of substantial business.
Article by Sasko Markovski & Amy C. Cococcia / Fragomen
Australia has been next in line across a number of jurisdictions around the globe to announce significant changes to employer-based immigration programs. This article provides an overview of some of the key changes announced as well as guidance on what actions businesses should be taking where impacted. Continue Reading What You Need to Know About Australia’s Visa Changes: The new rules are all about protecting jobs
Interview with Janet Langford Carrig / ConocoPhillips & Kimberly Simpson / National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD)
From October 1 to 4 at the National Harbor in Maryland, the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) will hold its Global Board Leaders’ Summit. The event brings together some 1,500 board members and corporate executives, including general counsel, to discuss the hottest governance issues facing boardrooms today. Janet Langford Carrig, GC of ConocoPhillips, and NACD regional director Kimberly Simpson discuss why the event presents a unique learning and networking opportunity for general counsel and corporate directors alike. Their remarks have been edited for length and style. Continue Reading GCs and Directors: Strategic Corporate Assets on Parallel Paths: A conference brings them together and points out common goals
Interview with Frank A. Segall and Scott H. Moskol /Burns & Levinson
Frank A. Segall and Scott H. Moskol co-chair the cannabis business advisory group at Burns & Levinson, where they have built an unusual practice helping individuals and companies involved in the marijuana industry navigate the complex and rapidly changing legal and business environment. MCC talked to them about the growth and opportunities in this new area of the law. The interview was edited for style and length.
Interview with Alice Hsu / Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP
Alice Hsu, a partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, focuses on capital markets and corporate governance. Her family’s favored professions, however, were centered around medicine and engineering, leading Alice to wonder what her life would have been like had she followed one of those paths. In any case, she harbors no regrets – the lawyer’s life (as a corporate dealmaker) has suited her just fine. The interview has been edited for style and length.
Interview with Laura King / Clifford Chance
Laura King has been a lawyer at Clifford Chance for more than 20 years, initially based in Canada. She later moved to London, where she practiced capital markets law and was promoted to partner in 2001. A few years later, however, her career took an unexpected turn. The firm adopted a centralized approach to HR and asked King to lead the effort as a member of its global management team. And that’s why she recently found herself working on a book showcasing some of the firm’s top women lawyers. MCC interviewed her by telephone and email. These communications have been edited for length and style. Continue Reading Diversity by the Book: Why one firm decided to dabble in publishing to demonstrate its support of women
By Megan Belcher / Husch Blackwell LLP
It is often said that if you are not uncomfortable, you are not growing. Reasonable minds may differ on the nuances; however, what is certain is that along the road of a career aimed at becoming a leader in the practice of law, many challenges will present themselves. Over the past year, I invested significant time and energy considering the power of navigating those challenges. In addition to gathering data about myself, particularly as I transitioned from an in-house leadership role to a partner at a law firm, I also sought input from others who had ascended along this path. I spoke with leaders working at in-house departments and at law firms, as well as executive coaches and talent management experts. I sought their advice and strategies for women navigating the myriad challenges that come as they try to find their authentic paths.
The big lesson I learned from these women was this: Getting out of your comfort zone drives transformative growth. Other lessons? Seek out the right support and ruthlessly prioritize. I include some of the questions we explored in bold text below. Continue Reading Women Navigating Challenges to Lead in the Law: Advice from 10 lawyers who have talked it and walked it
Interview with M. Melissa Glassman / McGuireWoods, LLP
Not every woman starts law school shortly after she starts a family. And of those who do, not all of them decide to go to work at a large firm as a litigator – and somehow survive to tell the tale. But M. Melissa Glassman is not every woman. And Glassman, now a deputy managing partner at McGuireWoods LLP, did a lot more than survive. But she insists she never aspired to be Superwoman. The interview has been edited for style and length. Continue Reading Finding a Way to Make It All Work: A law firm leader and litigator looks back on her long career
Listening to Jeff Franke talk excitedly about the second annual CLOC Institute brings to mind Martin Luther and the 95 Theses. By nailing his grievances with the Roman Catholic Church to the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, Germany, the 16th Century theologian triggered waves of profound change across Europe – the Reformation – and his own excommunication.
By Kellye Walker / Huntington Ingalls Industries
Kellye Walker, general counsel and executive vice president of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), understands that GCs wear many hats. She’s not only her company’s top lawyer, she’s also one of its business leaders. And she leads a team of lawyers by trying to set the tone and guide them without getting in their way. The interview has been edited for length and style.
