Take the Quiz

Advance Your In-House Legal Career and Reach Your Full Potential

Learn More About Our Coaching Community

What is Inside Counsel Academy?

Elevate Your Career. Enhance Your Life.

We prepare General Counsels and aspiring GCs to take on the highest levels of leadership within their organizations.

This journey goes beyond legal knowledge, focusing on executive skills that are critical for any successful GC. Through targeted training, practical insights, and community support, these lawyers develop the confidence, strategic thinking, and leadership acumen necessary to not only meet but exceed the expectations of the GC role.

Our Story

Our Approach

Strategic Skill Building

Strategic Skill Building

Developing strategic insights that align legal functions with business goals, which is crucial for inside lawyers to transition into executive thinking and decision-making.

Executive Presence and Influence

Executive Presence and Influence

Teaching participants to communicate effectively with C-suite members, presenting legal insights in a way that drives business strategy and builds trust.

Leadership and Operational Excellence

Leadership and Operational Excellence

Equipping them with tools to manage and inspire legal teams, fostering a culture of excellence that enhances their readiness for broader organizational impact.

Peer Learning and Networking

Peer Learning and Networking

Creating a community where they can connect, learn, and grow with other GCs and aspiring GCs. This supportive network bolsters their growth and gives them a trusted space to tackle challenges unique to in-house legal roles.

About Inside Counsel Academy

Inside Counsel Academy is a premier training and development community tailored for inside counsel seeking to realize their full potential. 

Guided by industry experts Joe Schohl, a five-time General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer and former Fortune 500 GC, and Mary Kowenhoven, a former Fortune 500 Chief Strategy Officer, aerospace engineer and Bain strategy consultant, the community benefits from their C-suite perspectives as a general counsel and as a client, respectively.

We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment where inside legal professionals can grow, learn, and connect.

Learn More

Meet the Team

Joseph Schohl

Co-Founder and Lead Coach

View Bio
Mary Kowenhoven headshot

Mary Kowenhoven

Co-Founder and Lead Trainer

View Bio

What Our Members Say

“One of the things I love about working with Joe is the joy and camaraderie he invariably brings to every discussion, including times when we have to discuss emotionally challenging subject matter. It’s hard to remember a call without laughter, and some lighthearted talk, to accompany the intellectual challenges we tackle together. Joe has a unique ability to tackle challenging topics while remaining positive and uplifting – skills which serve him incredibly well as a coach.”
Dave K.Law Firm Partner
“Joe has played many roles in my career: mentor, boss, colleague, outside counsel, client, and friend. He is the person I go to for advice of all kinds, who gives of himself and who has opened doors I never thought possible. He is a man of character and upmost integrity who astonishes me every day with the intentionality he brings to everything in his life, personally and professionally.”
Caren W.General Counsel
"Senior lawyers often face challenges that require wisdom more than technical expertise. When I faced complex ethical decisions, Joe helped me navigate to the best acceptable outcome. For leaders of law departments seeking not just technical improvement but strategic insight and clarity, Joe's combination of experience and wisdom makes him an invaluable coaching partner."
Michael S.Chief Legal Officer
“I’ve known Joe for the better part of two decades, in multiple roles over those years. Whether as a Chief Legal Officer over one of the largest in-house departments in healthcare or as an outside advisor, Joe uniformly appears with focus, equilibrium, and perspective. The last quality is the most valuable to me and I’m excited he’s chosen to share his wealth of real-world experience with other professionals. He is a leader first, who happens also to be a good lawyer.”
Greg T.Managing General Counsel
"Because of Joe’s mentorship and coaching, I was able to switch my practice area from general litigation to health law transactional work. Joe educated me on the nuances of this practice area, guiding me from his personal experience and introducing techniques for managing contract negotiations and business clients. I am very appreciative of Joe’s kindness, patience, and extensive knowledge on running an in-house environment, as well as his focus on continuous, personal improvement."
Melissa H.Associate General Counsel
"Joe not only got me focused on the right things, he helped hold me accountable in between meetings. It is invaluable to pitch ideas and strategies to a coach like Joe, who very recently sat in the C-level seat. I have a much better idea of how things will be received after I’ve done a dry run with Joe."
John P.Law Firm Partner and Adjunct Professor
"Joe trained me to think more like a business person, which has helped me deliver a more accessible and usable work product for my clients and colleagues. He imparts wisdom gained from his vast array of legal and life experiences, making him an excellent resource and sounding board for me in my day-to-day practice. I consider him a trusted and experienced mentor, who has helped make me an indispensable part of my teams from behind the scenes.”
Mary L.Associate General Counsel

Subscribe for Updates

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
© 2024 Inside Counsel Academy. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Accessibility Statement

Powered by Website Muscle