This episode of Ivory GC features Leslie Cornell, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Social Finance, a nonprofit investment advisor pioneering outcomes-based financing for social change. Leslie shares her transition from public finance law to leading legal strategy in the mission-driven world of impact finance, offering a rare look into legal operations that blend philanthropy, government partnerships, and investment rigor.
She discusses how her team structures innovative financial models like the Renew Fund for nursing students while navigating regulatory complexity across tax, securities, and advisor law. From fund formation to compliance for first-of-its-kind projects, Leslie explains how legal functions can become enablers of change, not barriers. This episode is rich in insights for lawyers working at the intersection of finance and social impact and is a must listen for legal professionals looking to build teams that power both innovation and purpose.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
Connect with Brian Becker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-becker-jd-mba-80bb211a/
Visit the Ivory Law website here: https://www.ivory.law/
Listen to Ivory GC on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LsuryrP5VuthnqO2uVtXZ
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ivory-gc/id1779481512?uo=4
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b2841956-606a-4d84-b20d-e774185fe610
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
Ivory GC Podcast is your go‑to channel for in‑depth, expert conversations on balancing legal risk and business innovation. Every week, we bring you candid interviews with general counsel, corporate legal advisors, and business leaders navigating regulatory complexity while driving transformative growth. Ideal for in‑house legal teams, executives, and risk managers, our content delivers strategic insights, practical tips, and real-world stories to help you lead confidently in an ever‑changing legal landscape.
This episode of Ivory GC features Richard Sarhaddi, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Aspen Standard Wealth, a platform investing in independent registered investment advisory firms. Richard brings nearly 20 years of experience across regulatory, legal, and compliance leadership roles, including at Vanguard, Charles Schwab, and OptionsXpress.
In this conversation, Richard shares how he's building a legal and compliance framework from scratch to support a fast-scaling private equity-backed platform. He reflects on lessons learned from building Vanguard’s personalized indexing compliance function, offers insights into onboarding RIAs, and discusses navigating marketing regulations and AI in legal workflows. He also opens up about his career journey—from launching a hedge fund to leading legal across multiple sectors—and the leadership principles that continue to shape his approach.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
Connect with Brian Becker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-becker-jd-mba-80bb211a/
Visit the Ivory Law website here: https://www.ivory.law/
Listen to Ivory GC on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LsuryrP5VuthnqO2uVtXZ
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ivory-gc/id1779481512?uo=4
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b2841956-606a-4d84-b20d-e774185fe610
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
Ivory GC Podcast is your go‑to channel for in‑depth, expert conversations on balancing legal risk and business innovation. Every week, we bring you candid interviews with general counsel, corporate legal advisors, and business leaders navigating regulatory complexity while driving transformative growth. Ideal for in‑house legal teams, executives, and risk managers, our content delivers strategic insights, practical tips, and real-world stories to help you lead confidently in an ever‑changing legal landscape.
In this episode of Ivory GC, we’re joined by Sal Roccaro, Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel at Maximum Quality Foods, a third-generation family-run food distribution company. With a background in engineering, law, and business, Sal’s multidisciplinary expertise has helped him shape strategic growth, manage complex acquisitions, and embed legal foresight across the organization. He shares his journey from environmental litigation and land use law to leading operations, compliance, and legal strategy in a fast-moving industry. Sal discusses how he integrates AI tools into legal work, the compliance challenges of entering food manufacturing, and how he balances legal and strategic decision-making. Whether leading union negotiations or building guardrails for risk in a high-volume environment, Sal brings a sharp, grounded view of how legal can fuel operational innovation.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
Connect with Brian Becker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-becker-jd-mba-80bb211a/
Visit the Ivory Law website here: https://www.ivory.law/
Listen to Ivory GC on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LsuryrP5VuthnqO2uVtXZ
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ivory-gc/id1779481512?uo=4
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b2841956-606a-4d84-b20d-e774185fe610
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
Ivory GC Podcast is your go‑to channel for in‑depth, expert conversations on balancing legal risk and business innovation. Every week, we bring you candid interviews with general counsel, corporate legal advisors, and business leaders navigating regulatory complexity while driving transformative growth. Ideal for in‑house legal teams, executives, and risk managers, our content delivers strategic insights, practical tips, and real-world stories to help you lead confidently in an ever‑changing legal landscape.
In this episode of Ivory GC, we sit down with Nicole Moss, a seasoned legal leader who currently serves as in-house general counsel for multiple companies across sectors like energy, healthcare, and tech. From Geophysical Technology to Assurance Medication Management and BluBridge, Nicole plays a pivotal role advising executive teams, managing legal risk, and building startup legal functions from the ground up.
Nicole shares her non-linear career journey—from litigator to startup recruiter to founding her own business before returning to law and ultimately becoming a trusted advisor to scaling companies. She discusses what it takes to serve multiple high-growth organizations at once, how to adapt your legal approach to the needs of founders and early-stage businesses, and why she believes legal strategy must enable impact, not just protection. It’s a masterclass in practical legal leadership, emotional intelligence, and entrepreneurial grit.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
Connect with Brian Becker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-becker-jd-mba-80bb211a/
Visit the Ivory Law website here: https://www.ivory.law/
Listen to Ivory GC on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LsuryrP5VuthnqO2uVtXZ
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ivory-gc/id1779481512?uo=4
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b2841956-606a-4d84-b20d-e774185fe610
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
In this episode of Ivory GC, we sit down with Eric M. Fisher, General Counsel at Homeaglow, a tech-enabled platform that connects households with trusted cleaning professionals. With a legal career spanning Madison Square Garden Entertainment and Gopuff, Eric shares his journey from law firm associate to leading legal strategy for high-growth, consumer-focused businesses.
Eric reflects on the pivotal experiences that shaped his leadership style, including helping MSG through major acquisitions and guiding Gopuff through a dramatic market shift. He dives deep into the legal nuances of operating within the gig economy, building legal functions from the ground up, and why curiosity, judgment, and relationship-building are more valuable than ever in lean legal environments.
This episode is a must-listen for GCs operating in tech-driven industries and young attorneys aspiring to play a meaningful role in business strategy.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-m-fisher/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
In this episode of Ivory GC, we sit down with Frank Chou, General Counsel at Rhino and Jetty, an insurtech company transforming the security deposit landscape through innovative insurance products. Frank shares his journey from early roles in government and fintech to leading legal strategy in a heavily regulated industry.
He reflects on his experience advising across teams, balancing compliance with innovation, and why curiosity, communication, and clear ownership are essential for modern legal leaders. Frank also opens up about his transition from public interest to startup life, the influence of mentorship, and how AI is reshaping legal risk in tech-enabled businesses.
For legal professionals navigating cross-functional work, regulatory change, or startup environments, this is a thoughtful and insightful listen.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
Please be advised that this episode of Ivory GC was recorded in May 2025. Consequently, some of the information presented may have been subject to changes or updates since that time.
In this episode of Ivory GC, Tatyana Kleyman, General Counsel at Brightcore Energy, shares her fascinating pivot from finance law to leading legal strategy in the clean energy sector. With a background in big law and global investment banking, Tatyana discusses her transition to Brightcore, a company at the forefront of building decarbonization through solutions like LED lighting, solar, and particularly, geothermal heating and cooling. As General Counsel, she navigates complex project contracting, construction law nuances, environmental regulations, and government incentives. Tatyana reflects on her motivation to use law as a tool for societal improvement, the unique legal challenges in geothermal projects (like subsurface rights and urban drilling), and the parallels she sees between the crypto industry and clean energy in terms of regulatory uncertainty. She also offers valuable insights on building an in-house legal function, mentorship, and advice for young attorneys considering a similar path.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
In this episode of Ivory GC, Bita Goldman, Global General Counsel at UNiDAYS, shares her journey from advocating for her immigrant family to shaping legal strategy at a global student platform. With early roots in advocating for victims of domestic violence, Bita transitioned to in-house roles, first at a rapidly growing e-tailer and then at UNiDAYS. As Global General Counsel, she oversees legal, privacy, and compliance, navigating the complexities of international expansion and data protection. Bita reflects on the importance of understanding the business, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within her team, and adapting to the fast-paced world of tech. From managing global teams to leveraging AI ethically, Bita shows what legal leadership looks like when you’re building trust with the next generation of consumers.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
In this episode of Ivory GC, Mark Chavez, General Counsel at Applied Digital Corporation, shares his diverse journey from energy law to the cutting edge of AI and cryptocurrency infrastructure. Starting with environmental law and motor sports at ExxonMobil, Mark transitioned through World Fuel Services and private equity before landing at Applied Digital, where he's building a legal team to support the company's ambitious growth in data centers. Mark reflects on the importance of process and risk management, lessons learned from his military service, and the unique challenges of navigating the fast-paced tech industry compared to the decades-long projects in energy. From setting up contract management systems to managing global teams and providing strategic advice, Mark shows what legal leadership looks like when you’re bridging traditional industries with the innovations of tomorrow.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
In this episode of Ivory GC, Charles Kwalwasser, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel at Camp: The Family Experience Store, shares his path through financial services, consumer tech, and immersive retail. With early roots in patent law and IP at Clifford Chance and Lehman Brothers, Charlie moved from banking to consumer innovation—leading legal teams at Quirky and BarkBox before joining Camp at its inception. As CAO, he wears multiple hats, overseeing legal, real estate, construction, and show production for Camp's experiential retail locations. He reflects on the challenges of scaling systems in fast-moving startups, managing complex licensing partnerships, and balancing risk with creative innovation. From tech-forward product development to kid-friendly physical spaces, Charlie shows what legal leadership looks like when you’re shaping business at every level.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
Alexis Freeman, General Counsel at Lindblad Expeditions, recounts her transition from a background in corporate restructuring to leading the legal function within the dynamic adventure travel and ecotourism industry. She provides a detailed account of the unique legal challenges faced by a global tourism operator, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and shares insights into how the industry has adapted. Alexis reflects on joining Lindblad just before the pandemic, dealing with unprecedented operational shutdowns, and navigating complex international regulations.
She also discusses her experience with mergers and acquisitions, the breadth of legal issues she manages, and the critical importance of educating and collaborating with various departments within the company. Alexis offers valuable advice and insights into the skills and experiences that have contributed to her success as an in-house counsel.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
Ryan McElduff, General Counsel at ICC Industries, provides insights into his transition from commercial litigation to leading the legal department of a global chemical company. He shares strategies for managing diverse legal challenges and emphasizes a cooperative, problem-solving approach. Ryan's litigation experience prepares him for the dynamic demands of his in-house role, enabling effective risk management and compliance.
Ryan discusses ICC's transformation from a chemical trading operation to a manufacturing powerhouse, highlighting sectors like plastics and specialty chemicals. He underscores the importance of communication and collaboration within the organization for successful legal and business outcomes.
Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mcelduff-3462b65
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
In this episode of Ivory GC, Neela Paykel shares her journey as a legal executive with over 20 years of in-house leadership experience spanning MedTech, autonomous vehicles, and digital health. Currently serving as Tech General Counsel in Residence at Mayer Brown, Neela discusses her unique role in bridging the gap between law firms and in-house counsel, leveraging her expertise to enhance legal strategies for tech-driven industries.
Throughout the episode, she reflects on her pivotal career moments, including her time as General Counsel at Hyperfine, where she helped bring the world’s first portable MRI system to market, and her tenure at Waymo, where she worked on legal frameworks for autonomous vehicles in a highly regulated space.
Neela also provides valuable insights into navigating regulatory challenges, striking the balance between legal risk and business innovation, and fostering diversity in legal teams. Plus, she offers practical advice for young attorneys looking to transition in-house and thrive in fast-paced, high-growth industries.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
In this episode of Ivory GC, Valerie Chianuri, General Counsel and Head of People & Operations at nTopology Inc., shares her journey from financial services to leading legal and operational functions in high-growth tech companies. With over 20 years of experience spanning American Express, Deloitte, Curb Mobility, and Exusia, Valerie has built a career at the intersection of law, business, and technology.
During the conversation, she provides an inside look at nTopology, a computational design and engineering software company transforming advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and medical industries. She discusses how she navigates legal risk, compliance, and information security while also overseeing HR and people operations in a fast-growing organization.
Valerie also dives into the evolving role of legal operations, sharing how her team leverages contract lifecycle management tools, process automation, and AI-driven analytics to improve efficiency. She offers practical insights into managing legal functions within scaling companies, handling complex customer contracts, and leading high-performing teams.
For young lawyers, she shares valuable advice on curiosity, strategic thinking, and finding the right environment to grow in-house.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
In this episode of Ivory GC, Ling-Ling Nie shares her remarkable journey as a legal and compliance leader across corporate, government, and academic sectors. From serving as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Aura to holding key legal roles at Georgia Tech, Panasonic North America, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Ling-Ling has built a career focused on compliance, risk management, and business strategy.
Now, as the Founder & CEO of Tender Cosmetics, she has made the bold leap into entrepreneurship, bringing her legal expertise and business acumen into the beauty industry. In this episode, she reflects on how legal professionals can develop business fluency, the importance of relationship-building across industries, and how in-house counsel can drive company culture and ethics.
Ling-Ling also shares invaluable career advice for young lawyers, discussing early career struggles, navigating non-traditional paths, and developing the mindset needed for long-term success.
Find Ling-Lling on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ling-ling-nie-6aa7a64a/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
This episode of Ivory GC features Viravyne Chhim Bip, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at MGG Investment Group, a private credit investment firm managing over $6 billion in assets. With a career spanning Latham & Watkins, Credit Suisse, GSO Capital Partners, and Blackstone Credit, Viravyne brings a wealth of experience in structured finance, investment management, and regulatory compliance. In this conversation, she shares her journey from Big Law to in-house leadership, offering insights into the complexities of managing legal and compliance functions in the fast-paced world of private credit. She discusses how shifting regulatory frameworks impact investment strategies, the importance of legal teams being strategic business partners, and the challenges of leading a lean but high-performing legal department. Viravyne also highlights the skills and business acumen that legal professionals need to succeed in the financial sector, along with practical advice for those looking to transition into in-house roles or advance within investment firms.
Find Viravyne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viravynechhim/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
This episode of Ivory GC features Marla Crawford, General Counsel at Simplify, a leading provider of integrated legal services and technology. With over 35 years of experience at Jones Day and Goldman Sachs, Marla shares her journey from pioneering legal technology to leading strategic initiatives in a fast-growing company. She discusses how AI and automation are reshaping legal operations, improving efficiency, and helping legal teams manage risk more effectively. Marla also highlights the evolving role of in-house counsel, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between law firms, corporate legal teams, and service providers. She provides valuable leadership insights on balancing legal oversight with business growth and navigating the challenges of adopting new technologies and key takeaways for legal professionals looking to stay ahead in an increasingly tech-driven industry.
Find Marla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marla-crawford-57243a/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
In this special episode of Ivory GC, Brian Becker sits down with Luis Vacanti, Chief Legal Officer at Analytic Partners, to discuss the impactful collaboration between Analytic Partners and Ivory Law Group. Luis shares his experience as the company's first in-house legal hire, the challenges of transitioning from a heavily outside counsel-reliant model, and how Ivory Law Group has seamlessly integrated into his team. He highlights Ivory’s plug-and-play approach to scaling legal operations, the value of their senior and offshore attorneys, and their ability to consistently meet aggressive SLAs. The conversation showcases how Ivory’s cost-effective, high-quality legal support enhances efficiency, streamlines contract management, and ultimately makes Luis look good to his stakeholders. Brian and Luis close with mutual appreciation for the partnership and the benefits of a well-structured, adaptable legal team.
To watch the second part of the case study, check out the video on youtube! https://youtu.be/8SZWrEtc-mc
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
In this episode of Ivory GC, Helena Cawley, General Counsel at First Street™, delves into the company’s mission of quantifying climate risk through financial modeling. She discusses First Street’s transition from a nonprofit to a public benefit corporation, a strategic move that enabled venture funding for global expansion. Helena shares insights into the legal complexities of this transition, including executing a reverse triangular merger and introducing employee stock options. She also explores First Street’s business model, which involves licensing climate risk data to financial institutions, the federal government, and real estate platforms. Additionally, Helena reflects on her unique career path—from BigLaw to entrepreneurship and climate tech—offering advice to junior lawyers and emphasizing the importance of aligning legal work with personal passion and impact.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
In this episode of Ivory GC, Brian sits down with Bronte Prins, General Counsel at SomeraRoad, to discuss her journey from Big Law to in-house counsel and her current role managing both legal and HR functions at the firm. Bronte shares insights into SomeraRoad’s strategic approach to off-market real estate acquisitions, the legal challenges of handling a diverse and fast-moving portfolio, and the crucial role of in-house counsel in supporting business decisions. She also reflects on her transition from law firms to in-house roles, the influence of her family’s real estate background, and the importance of adaptability in the industry. Bronte provides practical advice for junior lawyers, highlights key legal pitfalls in real estate, and shares how she fosters collaboration across departments to drive successful outcomes.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! :)
- The Ivory GC team
#InHouseCounsel #LegalStrategy #CorporateLaw #IvoryGC #BusinessLaw #LegalCareers #LawyerLife #GeneralCounsel #CorporateGovernance #LegalAdvice #LegalProfessionals #InsideCounsel #LegalLeadership #LegalInnovation
