What are the most significant cases and/or transactions that you have recently been involved in?   

My role is to manage risk; I am the chief legal officer, chief compliance officer, and serve as the chief of staff to the to the CEO. In order for me and our team to create value for the enterprise, it is about managing risk across the business, every day, and we do this through corporate security, governance, compliance, and legal representation.   

Around 2015, we entered a number of M&A transactions, both acquisitions of AGL Resources, PowerSecure, and a 50% interest in the SONAT natural gas pipeline. We also made several strategic divestitures. Our team was deeply involved in the overseeing of the negotiation, regulatory approvals and integration/transition of these assets.  Again, our team created value by managing risk, including execution risk. 

More recently, I would point to our pandemic response. At the time that the pandemic began, we were 90% through completion of the only two new nuclear reactors being built in the United States, and we had a daily workforce of about 8,000 people working at the site. From a risk standpoint, from a technical standpoint and, frankly, from a governance standpoint, we had to make sure that the board was adequately informed about not only day to day operations of our complex businesses in a largely remote posture, but also this mega-construction project. Our leadership, including the board, worked hard to reach the correct decisions while taking important steps to protect the health and safety of the employees and contractors at the site, and the surrounding communities. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their in-house law career?   

Whether practicing in-house, private practice, or public service, all successful lawyers must have a strong work ethic and drive to combine their natural talent, education and experience. For in-house lawyers, I think it also is helpful if you can join an organization that operates its business, or is part of an industry, that you have a genuine interest in, curiosity about, or passion for. And, I think it is important to learn as much as you can about the business and industry you are working with. Regardless of what type of in-house legal work you are doing, I think the context and motivation provided by a genuine interest in, and understanding of, the business is invaluable.