Innovative Legal Leadership

Angelique Strong Marks, Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer at Cars.com, joins us to discuss what it truly means to win as in-house counsel. She emphasizes the importance of understanding a company’s business goals and aligning legal strategies accordingly. Angelique also explores how AI is transforming the legal field, allowing lawyers to focus on more strategic tasks, and shares her unique take on diversity, highlighting the need to redefine success metrics in the legal profession. Tune in for valuable insights into holistic legal strategies, AI’s role in legal operations, and the future of diversity in law.Join us as we discuss:[1:48] Leadership and what it means to win as an in-house legal counsel[7:41] AI and digital transformation in the legal profession[15:48] Why the diversity conversation is still flawedCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:What it Means to Win for In-House Counsel by Angelique Strong MarksHear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Nisreen Al-Shaker, Global Head of Legal Operations and Strategy — Legal and Compliance at Nokia, didn’t passionately pursue legal ops. Instead, her diverse experiences in multiple international legal departments naturally pushed her into the dynamic field.Nisreen believes an expansive skillset is essential to understanding the challenges that come with today’s lightning-fast change in the legal industry.She gives us an exclusive snapshot of how her team is embracing innovative tools and collaborating with partners like PERSUIT to establish operational resilience in their Middle Eastern market. Join us as we discuss:[5:23] How legal ops helps in-house teams navigate complex issues[15:04] Partnering with PERSUIT to help unravel spending expectations[23:53] Operational resilience in the face of rapid change[33:11] The rise of legal operations in the Middle EastCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC)Hear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Damien Atkins, CLO and GC at Aura, a provider of online security solutions, has learned a lot about leadership during his extensive career spanning companies like AOL, Panasonic, and Hershey’s. His reputation has garnered him recognition in multiple publications, including recently being named as one of the most influential executives in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine.Yet he’s always chasing more insights, which is why he launched The Purposeful Leader, a podcast featuring executives from law and business who discuss leadership values. Damien joins us for a compelling conversation about what distinguishes great legal leaders, how they can drive cultural change, and why they need to work outside of the legal box.Join us as we discuss:[4:38] Drawing from the leadership philosophies of great sports coaches[14:06] Creating in-house culture for differentiated value to the business[22:57] Expanding the influence of in-house within the business[36:24] Using technology strategically to drive more impactCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Savoy Magazine: 2024 Most Influential Executives In Corporate AmericaThe Purposeful LeaderHear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

From Zimbabwe to Nairobi, Otilia Phiri has solidified her reputation as a leader in the African legal tech space.As Principal Corporate Counsel for the Africa Regional Cluster at Microsoft, she’s committed to transforming how legal departments support business objectives, promoting diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to in-house projects.Otilia gives us an exclusive peek into how Microsoft is transforming the African continent with exciting new technology and how she thinks AI will give legal professionals more creative freedom.Join us as we discuss:[15:38] AI conversations at Microsoft and African agencies[25:33] Use cases for AI tools in Microsoft’s legal departments[32:08] DEI and career advancement opportunities[46:06] Why old traditions are holding the legal industry backCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Microsoft Africa Development CenterMicrosoft Responsible AI PrinciplesCopilot for Microsoft 365100 Most Influential African Leaders in Technology & TelecommunicationsHear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How does one begin to measure the social impact of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives in legal? And how can you get others to buy in? When Porter Merriman, VP & Assistant GC at AutoDesk, helped spearhead her department’s new DEIB program, she knew she couldn’t force people to be fully invested. But she could acknowledge and reward those who were. In this episode of our new Mission Possible series, Porter gives other legal leaders a map to help them charter their own DEIB programs and build diverse partnerships. Join us as we discuss: - Why DEIB can’t be a string of start-stop initiatives (1:54) - Factoring DEIB in the external sourcing process (7:59) - Advice to legal leaders starting internal DEIB programs (14:29) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: AutoDesk FY2023 Diversity & Belonging Report Hear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ulrike Schwarz-Runer, Managing Director and Senior Partner, GC and CLO at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), has long been a champion for DEI and psychological safety in the workplace.While she’s overseeing BCG’s global legal operations, she’s also leveraging her position to empower her people to feel safe and heard while participating in international forums on inclusivity.Ulrike shares how BCG is driving DEI initiatives through innovation, effective communication, and expertise deployment.Join us as we discuss:➡️[5:11] Why diverse teams are more effective and innovative➡️[14:32] The importance of psychological safety in the workplace➡️[21:39] Keeping the human connection in digital transformationCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:➡️The Positive Domino Effect of Psychological Safety (BCG)➡️Flexible Teams Are Key for In-house Lawyers to Share Expertise (Financial Times)Hear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It takes everyone, from corporate leadership to interns, to drive successful DEI initiatives through an in-house legal department.So, when Forbes recognized NiSource as one of the top employers for diversity in the energy field in 2023, André Wright and his team knew their efforts had paid off.The VP & Deputy GC for NiSource joined us to talk about how they implemented their DEI strategy and share some of the surprising challenges and outcomes of bringing everyone along.Join us as we discuss:[4:05] Carrying out DEI initiatives at the strategic level[11:59] The need to find like-minded suppliers and partners[16:48] Why it’s important to consider opposing viewpointsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD)NAMWOLFHear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Creating a positive culture is hard — especially in the legal space.Old institutions and ways of doing things are difficult to unseat, and modern corporate legal departments need to lean heavily into building culture that works for both the company and its people equally.Kailee Goold, VP of Litigation and Legal Operations at Cardinal Health, sits down with PERSUIT’s own Michelle Landy to discuss how to disrupt outdated patterns of thinking and behavior when it comes to culture and belonging inside of your organization.When everyone has a seat at the table and is comfortable sitting in it, legal departments win.Join us as we discuss:[3:30] Acting as an “actor in a playground of critics” [6:15] Tailoring DEIB to your department’s culture[11:00] How disrupting existing patterns can impact legal department healthHear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As the Director of Legal Operations, Employment Law, and Litigation at Trend Micro, Brent Dyer is leading the transformation of legal operations within the multinational cybersecurity giant. His journey from aspiring opera singer to legal innovator is not just a fascinating career transition but a testament to the dynamism and versatility required in the legal ops landscape.Brent joins us to unpack the world of legal ops, sharing insights on enhancing operational efficiencies, strategic litigation management, and spearheading initiatives that challenge the conventional law firm model.Join us as we discuss:[6:57] The duality of legal ops and traditional legal work[15:44] Optimizing litigation management and billing issues[26:02] Why law firms need to care more about the client experience[35:15] Underappreciated value of non-lawyers in legal opsHear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most of our guests started their legal journeys in private law firms before pivoting to corporate in-house legal departments. In this insightful episode, the shoe is on the other foot.Veronica Gromada spent nearly 20 years with Walmart’s in-house legal department, leading teams of attorneys, paralegals, and various professionals and managing the retailer’s extensive tort litigation portfolio.Now, as a partner at the prestigious law firm Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., Veronica is not only overseeing their products liability group. She is also the co-chair for multiple ESG initiatives.Hear how Veronica is using her Fortune One experience to give her colleagues new perspectives on business relationships and how she’s championing diversity in AMLAW firms.Join us as we discuss:[3:03] Pivoting from a massive in-house department to private practice[13:51] Why law firms need to adopt a business mindset[23:56] The challenges of being a black female partner[34:34] How AI will free legal professionals to better serve clientsHear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The roles of chief legal officer or general counsel can mean different things in different corporate hierarchies.But if there’s one thing that Ben Adams has learned on his way to becoming CLO and Corporate Secretary at Western Union, it’s that those men and women must be true problem solvers.He’s always reminding his in-house team that a uniform legal background will only get them so far. It’s the willingness to adapt and learn the ins and outs of their business that will take them places. Ben gives us an exclusive peek into how his team manages the legal challenges that can arise in financial services and how they’re cautiously approaching AI to help with international transactions.Join us as we discuss:[7:53] Core values and the Western Union Foundation[19:46] If in-house legal job titles really tell the whole story[28:53] How technology ties into transparency in legal departmentsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Western Union FoundationHear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As AI tools continue to infiltrate the global workforce, how can legal ops teams separate relevant AI services from ill-fitting alternatives? And how can in-house teams best leverage some of these exciting new data models to make informed decisions?Sue Manik, Head of Supplier Performance at Standard Chartered Bank, believes that legal professionals must reevaluate how they think about data if they want to keep up with accelerated innovation.Sue walks us through the changes she’s witnessed in legal operations’ evolution from data-wielding sidekicks to collaborative partners and how Standard’s D&I task force is breaking barriers.Join us as we discuss:[3:10] How embedding in legal operations opens up new opportunities[12:43] Why legal professionals should never take data at face value[20:44] Measuring ROI on legal operations initiatives[33:32] Standard Charter Bank’s D&I task forceHear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The role of the GC has come a long way since the days when everyone only wanted to work for big law firms.GCs have now evolved into a more strategic and important role within organizations, where lawyers are doing more of the legal work and interacting with the business. For the role to continuously improve, lawyers must stay endlessly curious, evaluate what they’re doing and improve upon it, and learn how to delegate.This week, we're joined by Sterling Miller, CEO and Senior Counsel at Hilgers Graben PLLC. Sterling’s diverse professional experience has enabled him to strategically adapt to each position, embrace change, and disrupt the legal department.In this interview, we delve into what it takes for the GC to chart a more strategic path within their organization.Join us as we discuss: [08:23] How the GC role has evolved [21:34] How lawyers can be more productive[26:01] How to foster innovation and diversity in the legal departmentCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Sterling MillerHilgers Graben PLLCPERSUITHear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If lawyers and the legal function are going to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce, they need to be tech-savvy, forward-thinking, and able to project manage. The legal landscape is in a constant state of evolution, and teams must embrace that change to stay ahead. They need to push alternative ways of doing things and work differently. This week, we're joined by Shane O’Connor, General Manager of Strategy and Operations at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Shane’s extensive experience across different functions in the banking industry has enabled him to tackle challenges head-on, question the status quo, and implement positive disruption within his organization. In this webinar, we delve into what it takes to initiate change within an organization. Join us as we discuss:  - [07:40] How Shane created the legal ops function at Commonwealth Bank - [14:18] Shane’s problem-solving process and how he implemented a rollout - [20:53] Strategies for winning the hearts and minds of lawyers - [24:36] What proper change management looks like Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Shane O’Connor - Commonwealth Bank of Australia - PERSUIT Hear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Unbeknownst to many, mass arbitration is actually something that recently evolved in the legal landscape as an alternative to large class action lawsuits. What should companies be aware of, and how can they deal with mass arbitration successfully? This week, we're joined by Maui Gevero, Senior Manager of Legal Advisory at PERSUIT. We dive into what mass arbitration is and how companies can proactively address challenges arising from this. Maui also shares his views on where the system loopholes are and what companies should do to test different approaches to handling mass arbitrations. He also leaves us with some tips regarding what companies requiring legal consultation must do. Join us as we discuss:  - The definition of mass arbitration (00:10) - Maui’s best examples of mass arbitration cases (02:44) - Three steps that companies should follow related to mass arbitration (07:18) Hear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

A lot has happened since Inderpreet Sawhney became General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Infosys in 2017. After globetrotting through several firms and businesses, she now oversees an in-house team that is witnessing incredible advances in generative AI firsthand. And like many other GCs and legal professionals, she’s curious to see how these innovations will redefine value in the field. Inderpreet gives us her insights into what generative AI could mean for future lawyers, and some do’s and don’ts when transitioning from big law firms to in-house teams. Join us as we discuss: - How the role of GC has evolved from tactical to strategic (8:12) - Generative AI and its impact on relationships with outside counsel (14:27) - The evolution of the young lawyer’s traditional training ground (25:03) Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Infosys Topaz Hear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Nobody loves the billable hour. For too long, law firms have viewed it as a necessary evil, partly because the right technology just hadn’t shown up yet. But now, ChatGPT and large language models have entered the public scene. And Jim Delkousis, Founder and CEO at PERSUIT, is loving every minute of it. Today, he’s watching AI breathe new life into his vision of a legal industry that values outcomes over time. Don’t miss this exclusive peek into how Jim’s career path inspired him to start PERSUIT and why he’s excited about an AI-driven legal industry.    Join us as we discuss: - An overwhelming introduction to a powerful international firm (5:03) - Realizing the need for a transparent legal marketplace (19:40) - Why AI will drive the cost of knowledge creation to zero (30:51) Hear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Like many young attorneys, Cynthia Lareine, Director of Community Development at PERSUIT, experienced the relentless grind early in her legal career. Feeling the pressure to always say “Yes,” she survived a culture that viewed clocking out as a sign of weakness. But today, she’s channeling her drive and experience to help advance PERSUIT’s mission to drive better outcomes in the legal industry. In this episode, we revisit Cynthia’s passionate interview as she talks about how she thinks innovation will help transform relationships and bring about real value to the field. Join us as we discuss: - How childhood discrimination influenced Cynthia’s career path (3:44) - The pressures endured by junior associates at large firms (10:02)  - How working with the African legal community led her to PERSUIT (23:00) Hear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Litigation is like war. Long, drawn-out, and unpredictable. Which is why many law firms are reluctant to quote fixed fees for these types of matters. But David Falstein, VP of Product at PERSUIT (and former lawyer and legal sourcing expert at J&J), thinks that’s really just an excuse to delay inevitable change. And he gives a compelling argument as to why AFAs can be a winning proposition for clients and firms, alike. Tune in as we revisit this insightful discussion with David about transparent pricing in fixed fee arrangements. Join us as we discuss: - Debunking the uncertainty around alternative fee arrangements (13:34) - Challenges to transitioning to a fixed fee model in law firms (24:30) - Why billable hours are a mental health nightmare (30:49) Hear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

There’s a lot of excitement and some trepidation around the introduction of AI in the legal ecosystem. One thing that everyone can agree on is that it’s imperative for legal functions across organizations - regardless of size - to start thinking about their AI strategy. The real value comes from learning what’s working and initiating those conversations early on. In this special webinar recap hosted by PERSUIT’s Senior Manager of Legal Advisory Maui Gevero, we discuss how AI is rapidly changing the legal landscape. Listen in as Maui leads the discussion featuring  Chris Grant, David Cunningham, and Sean Monahan, who share what they’ve learned about how companies should approach the AI conversation. Join us as we discuss: - What your firm’s overarching AI strategy should be (09:57) - Where Generative AI would have the greatest impact (33:01) - A good way to approach the AI conversation with outside counsel (49:52) Hear more stories by following Innovative Legal Leadership on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Innovative Legal Leadership in your favorite podcast player.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.