Counsel

In this conversation, legal operations professional Patty Corey breaks down what legal ops actually is, why so many CLM implementations fail, and what the role needs to look like in an AI-driven world.

She challenges the tendency to buy tools before mapping processes, shares a firsthand account of a global CLM rollout that hit the iceberg in slow motion, and makes the case for why legal ops professionals need to stop thinking like architects and start building.

Patty also offers practical advice on quick wins, intake design, playbook building, and why if you don't know the why, you're not ready for AI.

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Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code BigSisEnergy for a special discount)

All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings

Connect with Patty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricija-patty-corey-/

Connect with Mel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melstorey

Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/

Instagram & TikTok: @careerbigsis

Subscribe to the Counsel Podcast so you don't miss upcoming conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to be an in house lawyer today!

In this conversation, trademark attorney Josh Gerben discusses the intricacies of trademark law, emphasising the importance of proactive trademark management and the evolving landscape influenced by AI.

He highlights common mistakes companies make in managing their trademarks, the need for effective communication between legal and marketing teams, and the significance of understanding both defensive and offensive trademark strategies.

Gerben also shares insights on the impact of AI on intellectual property rights and offers practical advice for new General Counsel's in navigating trademark portfolios.

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Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code BigSisEnergy for a special discount)

All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings

Connect with Mel:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melstorey

Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/

Instagram & TikTok: @careerbigsis

Subscribe to the Counsel Podcast so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to be an in house lawyer today!

In this engaging conversation, Irene Kuo shares her unique journey from law school to becoming a successful in-house lawyer.

She discusses her early influences, the challenges faced in the legal profession, and her transition to in-house practice. Irene emphasises the importance of community involvement, networking and self-expression in her career. She also reflects on the future of in-house practice, particularly the role of technology and AI.

The conversation concludes with a rapid-fire round, highlighting Irene's vibrant personality and insights on various topics.

Takeaways:
- Irene's legal journey began with encouragement from her father.
- She faced challenges in securing a graduate position after law school.
- Her experience in litigation confirmed her preference for in-house roles.
- Irene emphasises the importance of understanding one's personality in career choices.
- She advocates for community involvement among in-house lawyers.
- Networking can be intimidating, but it's essential for growth.
- Self-expression, including her pink hair, plays a significant role in her identity.
- Irene believes that colour in the workplace is underrated.
- The future of in-house practice will likely involve AI and technology.
- Building a supportive network is crucial for resilience in the legal profession.

Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code BigSisEnergy for a special discount)

All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings

Connect with Mel:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melstorey

Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/

Instagram & TikTok: @careerbigsis

Subscribe to the Counsel Podcast so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to be a lawyer today!

In this episode, your host, Mel Storey, reflects on her transition from corporate life to building a new career as a content creator and media company. She shares her experiences, the challenges faced and the lessons learned during this journey so far.

Mel discusses the importance of leadership, personal growth, and the need for better support within the legal profession. She also highlights her future aspirations, including the development of resources for law students and the importance of community engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
- The transition from corporate life can be challenging and filled with mixed emotions.
- Rest is essential after leaving a high-pressure environment.
- Building a new career requires resilience and adaptability.
- Lawyers often struggle with identity confusion and burnout.
- Leadership is about making decisions and influencing others, not just holding a title.
- Clear information and support are crucial for lawyers navigating their careers.
- Community feedback is vital for personal and professional growth.
- The legal profession is evolving, and new pathways are emerging.
- It's important to recognise the value of legal judgment over mere output.
- Engaging with diverse voices in the legal field enriches the profession.

Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code BigSisEnergy for a special discount)

All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings

Connect with Mel:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melstorey

Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/

Instagram & TikTok: @careerbigsis

Subscribe to the Counsel Podcast so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to be a lawyer today!

In this episode, Mel connects with Boston-based lawyer and creator Heather Stevenson for a candid conversation about career reinvention, online visibility, and modern in-house leadership. Heather shares her journey from Big Law litigator at Sullivan & Cromwell to juice-bar founder to General Counsel at Red Cell Partners, a venture firm building companies in healthcare, cybersecurity and national security.

Together, they talk about taking unconventional career paths, how social media has reshaped opportunity and why being “too nice to be a lawyer” is a myth worth retiring.

Key themes:
✨ Moving from Big Law to entrepreneurship to in-house
✨ Learning business by building one
✨ The role of LinkedIn in modern career growth
✨ The future of in-house law and innovation
✨ Purpose, identity, and redefining professional success

Outsourcing, boundaries and building systems that work for your life

Favourite moments:

Heather explaining how she pitched her way into the Boston Globe after running a juice bar

Why she believes “done” is better than “perfect” on LinkedIn and in leadership

Her philosophy on using LinkedIn as scalable mentoring

The rise of GC-plus roles like GC-COO and GC-Chief Strategy Officer

Why “too nice to be a lawyer” is not a weakness

Connect with Heather:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherlstevenson/

Subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.newsletter.inhouseoutsidethebox.com/subscribe

Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code BigSisEnergy for a special discount)

All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings

Connect with Mel:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melstorey

Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/

Instagram: @careerbigsis

Subscribe to the Counsel Podcast so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to be a lawyer today!