The Career Path to In-House Counsel Explored in Alumni Panel and Networking Event

Students pursuing a career as in-house counsel and alumni considering a transition in-house, were offered expert advice from alumni in the field, at the April 8 panel and networking event “So You Want to Be an In-House Counsel...Now What?,” co-presented by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) NYC chapter and Brooklyn Law School’s Career Development Center.  

Debbie Epstein Henry ’94, founder of DEH Consulting, Speaking, Writing, Board of Trustee member and inaugural chair emerita of the Law School’s Women’s Leadership Circle, moderated the panel, which included Pauline Arnakis ’98, assistant general counsel at Unisys and member of the ACC-NYC board of directors; Jaime Huertas ’10, general counsel and head of U.S. corporate and finance legal at Novartis Corp.; Andrew Messinger ’06, managing director, general counsel and chief compliance officer at Magnitude Capital; and Andrae Nelson ’19, associate legal counsel at sports media company, Overtime. 

Following warm welcoming remarks by President and Joseph Crea Dean David Meyer and ACC-NYC Board Vice President Jeanine Anderson, senior legal counsel at Equinix, Inc, Henry launched the discussion by asking the panelists about their career journeys and how they navigated the transition to in-house work.  

Nelson, a graduate of Morehouse College and a former professional basketball player before attending Brooklyn Law, began his career at Big Law firms, where, he said, he continually evaluated his job to make sure it was the right fit for him. Seeking to be involved in sports and to create a better work-life balance, he networked with those in the field which led to his position at Overtime. “When you go to law school, you take a risk and place a bet on yourself,” he said. “I had the skill set and was ready to take another risk at life outside the firm.” 

Arnakis, who had initially worked for the New York Power Authority had transitioned to working as counsel for music industry giants Universal and Sony, specializing in technology, outsourcing, intellectual property and data privacy law and then, as that industry began to change, to the financial services sector, in compliance and legal roles covering these areas. The moves were often risky, she said, but her willingness to constantly learn while building up transferable skills was the key to her ability to become senior corporate counsel, now at Unisys, a global technology, outsourcing, and professional services company serving clients in various industries.  

Huertas had segued from a large private practice in both New York and London that underwent a merger, to a Big Law firm. Observing the changes to practice in firms and considering making a move, he said, he began networking and, through LinkedIn, discovered an open position as corporate counsel at Novartis, where he had no connections. But something about the job clicked for him, so he sought advice from his network, especially those in the pharma industry. “They told me to identify my specialized skills, making sure they matched what the role was,” Huertas said. It worked.  

“It was a leap of faith,” said Messinger, who, while working in asset management and corporate securities at a Big Law firm had a mentor who suggested he manage a credit facilities project for a fund manager client. Although reluctant because it was an area Messinger had little experience in, his mentor encouraged him, recognizing his talent at management. The project was a success, and the fund, Magnitude Capital, offered him a position in their legal department, focusing on fund formation and governance and regulatory matters. This led to his becoming chief compliance officer and now to general counsel as well.  

Going beyond the fortuity of some of these circumstances, Henry asked the panelists, what were the essentials you engaged in to make your moves into in-house work and that you would offer as key takeaways for our students and alumni? 

“Building a strong network across sectors is essential,” said Huertas. “Show an interest in what your network is doing and continue the relationships. They develop over time. And drill in on what you do, what you enjoy, and what makes you stand out,” he said. He also emphasized learning about and growing skills in cutting-edge areas such as data privacy. 

“Recognize that your value equals your time,” said Nelson, who assessed his skill set and his life, and decided to take the risk in order to devote that time and value to an industry that he had a passion for. “Take every opportunity available to you, do cold calls, and explore the changing field.” 

The disadvantage and advantage of working in-house, said Arnakis, is that while an internal team can be small, you build your skills much faster because you have to do a lot on your own. Building those skills is key, she said, as well as cultivating mentors and joining LinkedIn groups that have similar interests to build your network. “Everything is a steppingstone,” she said. 

Messinger stressed the importance of getting early experience through internships, and of having a background in compliance and in regulatory work, which is often an entry point to an internal position. When considering a candidate for a job, he said, he seeks a person who is willing to try new things. “I like grit, determination, and resilience, a demonstration of intangible soft skills,” he said. 

Henry concluded the panel with a Q&A and underscored the value of networking and mentoring. “Make your ask a give,” she said. “Think, how I can learn and be a resource? How can I listen? Maybe an opportunity will present itself down the road and maybe it won't. You can help someone else and pay it forward. Be generous. These connections deepen into the future.”  

Following the panel, a speed networking session was held, in which students and alumni met with in-house counsel who are members of the ACC-NYC chapter, receiving on-the-spot feedback.  

The event was facilitated by Brooklyn Law School’s Associate Dean of Career and Development Heather Spielmaker and Associate Director Dina Adler, as well as Jeanine Anderson and her ACC-NYC colleagues. 

See photos from the event here.