Turning Outside Counsel In – Two Legal Veterans Discuss Their Transition Experience and Takeaways

Gavin O’Connor: In my opinion, the transition really depends upon being able to quickly learn as much as you can about the business units you are serving.  Sometimes the strongest legal position you can devise in a vacuum is not necessarily the best business position to take, given appropriate context. Knowing the people and history involved and the underlying business goals will usually result in better legal advice.

Chris Eck: “I had been in private practice for 15 years and had become disenchanted with the inefficiencies of the courthouse and wanted to be part of something more positive and productive. I was willing to reinvent myself at age 40, even if that meant starting over at the bottom rung of the ladder. I set a goal that within five years I would be general counsel in a publicly traded company. When people see my resume (four different companies in just five years), they may wonder if I’m a flake because I’ve been everywhere, but there was method to the madness.”

Gavin O’Connor: Find out as much as you can about the people you will be working with and what the expectations of you will be. No one likes surprises. I had some personal relationships at GNC that made this easier.

Chris Eck: “I had been in private practice for 15 years and had become disenchanted with the inefficiencies of the courthouse and wanted to be part of something more positive and productive. I was willing to reinvent myself at age 40, even if that meant starting over at the bottom rung of the ladder. I set a goal that within five years I would be general counsel in a publicly traded company. When people see my resume (four different companies in just five years), they may wonder if I’m a flake because I’ve been everywhere, but there was method to the madness.”