48. From Law School to In-House Success: Irene Kuo's Journey

Jen Luther is an experienced Product Counsel, sits on the boards of the Future of Privacy Forum and AI 2030 and advises early-stage founders on governance and strategy. This conversation starts with the work she does at the intersection of AI, privacy and product development, and quickly moves into the bigger question most in-house lawyers do not hear asked enough: what are you beyond the legal risk? Jen talks about being told her legal background would count against her in boardrooms and choosing to ignore that advice. She shares the pre-meeting ritual she used to shift her felt experience from imposter syndrome to purposeful presence, and makes a sharp, practical case for why the most valuable thing a lawyer can give an innovative company is not a risk memo. She is also candid about what it actually takes to build meaningful work alongside a demanding day job, and about the specific weight of holding the ethical compass inside a technology company right now. Listeners will leave with a clear reframe for how to position legal skills outside the traditional track, and a practical sense of what the identity shift from risk manager to decision architect actually looks like in practice. ~ 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 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. ~ 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. ~ 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!

In this episode, Chloe Giamadakis shares her journey in the legal field, discussing her ambition, the importance of a supportive network and how she overcomes "imposter syndrome". She emphasises the value of continuous learning and the significance of working in a meaningful industry to you. Chloe also provides insights into regulatory work and offers advice for aspiring lawyers, highlighting the importance of networking and gaining practical experience. Happy Birthday Chloe and enjoy planning your upcoming wedding! We love a #2026Bride Connect with Chloe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-giamadakis-a1953a159/ 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!

In this episode, Mel sits down with Brisbane-based in-house lawyer and all round good human Simon Playford to explore what it means to bring purpose, agility and humanity to legal work. Simon’s career has spanned private practice, commercial and IP law and now the not-for-profit sector with the Heart Foundation, an organisation that means a great deal to him personally. Together, they talk about moving from corporate to cause-driven work, the realities of in-house life in a charity and how lawyers can make a difference without sacrificing professional growth. Mel also announces that she’s donating $1 for every download of this episode within the first 24 hours to the Heart Foundation. 💖 Key themes: ✨ Making the leap from corporate to not-for-profit law ✨ How to measure impact without billables ✨ Purpose-driven careers and redefining success ✨ Agility, imperfection and “good enough” lawyering ✨ Building community in the in-house and NFP space ✨ Why connection is at the heart of great legal work This is a full-circle story about purpose, legacy and finding meaning in work Connect with Simon: LinkedIn Donate or learn more about the foundation here Download the New to In-House Survival Guide here! 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

In this episode of the Counsel Podcast, Mel reunites with long-time friend and former colleague Anna Tichborne for a candid conversation about career evolution, leadership and the courage to step outside the traditional lawyer path. Anna’s career has spanned more than two decades across New Zealand, Australia and the US. From General Counsel to Chief Operations Officer and now building her own consulting practice, she has consistently embraced change, backed herself and carved out space beyond the confines of “lawyer in a box.” Together, we dive into: Anna’s transition from GC to COO and what it’s like to move from advising to decision-making The mindset shifts needed to step into executive leadership outside of legal Learning to let go of the lawyer identity while still drawing on those skills The role of mentors, sponsors and having someone in your corner who sees your potential What skills transfer seamlessly from law to operations, and what you need to unlearn Anna’s current chapter working with early-stage businesses and tech founders Why culture, people, and community are the real drivers of successful organisations This episode is packed with insights for lawyers curious about broader executive opportunities or anyone navigating identity shifts and new career chapters. Resources and Links: Connect with Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-tichborne-a9647946/ 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/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer 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.

The Counsel Podcast is back for Season 5! In this opening episode, Mel Storey shares a deeply personal update: leaving her role as Head of Legal (APAC) at Pax8 to step into self-employment for the very first time. Mel reflects on: Why she chose to resign after 15 years in the law The breadcrumb trail of signs that told her it was time for a reset What it feels like to de-institutionalise from corporate life The messy but exciting process of building a portfolio career How this podcast planted the seed for coaching, content and speaking What’s coming up in Season 5, including incredible guests and honest solo episodes This is an honest behind-the-scenes look at career change, identity and learning to back yourself even when you don’t have the whole map. Resources and Links: Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code Big Sis Energy 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/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes featuring in-house leaders, founders and lawyers taking unconventional paths.