Q:
Describe your background and the path you took to becoming in-house counsel.
A: I didn't come to in-house counsel through a traditional path (a law firm). After some time on both the prosecution and defense sides, I left criminal law and became a deputy corporation counsel to Code Enforcement. I realized that most legal questions were actually process questions in disguise. I ran the Bureau of Licensing and Permitting where I enjoyed molding process around municipal code. I moved on to run the city's real estate program where I acted as the Owner to multiple municipal projects. Seeing projects though planning, permitting and construction has given me a unique and practical perspective on construction projects. My ability to create process around the law (and understand permitting) was a big selling point to my current employer.
Q: What percentage of your current legal practice is spent on construction-related work?
A: I’m a one woman show, so it really depends on the day. We are a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and a sizable portion of my time is spent on compliance processes around that certification. I handle all corporate governance matters, insurance, licensing, occasionally dabble in land use matters, and take on anything else that comes across my desk. I also have an unofficial business development role that keeps me active in the community and involved in project selection early in the process.
Q: What kind of work does your company do? Do you focus on specific sectors, states, or regions?
A: Guidon is a full-service design firm that offers solutions for technically complex projects. We have a focus on practical sustainability. Our focus is on Healthcare, Science & Technology and Low-Income Housing projects nationally and civic projects on a local level.
Q: How and when do you use outside counsel?
A: I use outside counsel in three situations; 1) I don’t know the answer, 2) I don’t have time to handle the matter, or 3) I’m making a record. It’s important for outside counsel to understand WHY I’m coming to them in order to give the best service. I rely on outside counsel for project contracts, claims and litigation, licensing, business transactions, immigration, IP and anything else that comes up.
Q:
What are the work/business-related issues that tend to keep you up at night?
A: Compliance, compliance, compliance! I don’t know what I don’t know, and I rely on the updates firms issue to stay on-top of ever changing laws. Additionally, like any other in-house counsel, I’m always worried about when a claim or lawsuit will hit and how it will disrupt business. I work directly with our project managers on QA/QC processes on the front end to prevent claims, so thankfully, dispute resolution has not been a huge part of my job at Guidon (yet . . . knock wood).
Q: What do you or your company take into consideration when vetting and/or selecting outside counsel?
A: Reputation is everything. I need someone to vouch for you or to know you through the ABA or local bar association. Firm reputation is also important, but I’ve had bad attorneys at good firms and vice versa. When it comes to construction law matters, I need you to understand the role of the design professional (and our insurance). Your billing rate does get taken into consideration but isn’t a deal breaker, especially if I trust you will delegate matters appropriately and be measured in your billings. I’m willing to pay for good advice.
Q: Describe a relationship with an outside attorney that was particularly successful. What made the relationship successful?
A: I have been the first general counsel to two different A&E firms. In both of those roles, there was a well trusted outside counsel that had been supporting the company before I came along. Neither of those attorneys viewed me as their competition. They both went out of their way to help train me in areas I needed assistance with, even though it could mean less billings for them in the future. They were both sounding boards for me, trusted advisors and I knew I could go to them with any question and they would get me what I needed and make sure I understood the why. The outcome is that they have made me a better attorney, and because they have supported me and earned my trust so implicitly, I don’t hesitate to go to them with matters large and small. They were able to build this relationship through multiple short phone calls, so not a ton of extra billing, but an impactful personal touch. I recommend them to everyone.
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