About

‘I took over as GC having virtually no experience of managing a budget or leading a group of people,’ Candice Wells says of her 2013 promotion. An award-winning in-house lawyer, Wells made the step up early in her career during a period of exceptional circumstances for Linn Energy. The company’s planned merger with Denver-based Berry Petroleum Company came under prolonged scrutiny when the SEC Division of Enforcement began an informal inquiry and wide scale litigation followed. ‘She has remained a consistent presence of calm and voice of reason during the company’s challenges,’ says Kendra Paul of Seyfarth Shaw LLP, who credits Wells’ strong relationships across the legal department and the business as a crucial component to her success. ‘The transformative merger involved numerous complex first-impression legal issues,’ Paul adds. Wells led Linn through the merger, which was the first time an LLC has acquired a C corporation. In addition to the inquiry and ongoing disputes, Wells has also expanded Linn’s legal department to accommodate the business’ growth and now leads six lawyers. When dealing with law firms, she is looking for ‘true partners’ and says solutions focus is key. ‘My biggest frustration is calling an outside firm for help and hearing all the reasons why what we want or need to do is impossible or too difficult’.