In-House Counsel Chronicles – Details, episodes & analysis

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, 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.