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A Cup o’ Joe: What It’s Like to be a General Counsel Right Now

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Being a general counsel has always been a difficult job. No easy problems make it to the GC’s desk.

It’s hard for me to believe, but I’ve been practicing law for nearly 30 years. It’s been almost 18 years since I first served as a public company GC. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in that capacity both from the inside (until recently as CLO of Radiology Partners) and outside (for many GeneralCounselWest clients over the years).

I know from that experience that having responsibility for all the legal (and often compliance) affairs of a large and multifaceted organization is more than enough to keep one awake at night. Doing so in the healthcare industry during a healthcare crisis like the current pandemic adds an exponential level of complexity and risk. We are operating in an environment that makes it more challenging than ever before.

In addition to all the usual threats, recent years have added new hazards to manage, including:

  • Cybersecurity breaches and ransomware attacks
  • Increase in enforcement activity, including white collar criminal prosecutions under novel theories
  • Ever-changing (and conflicting) COVID mandates
  • Maintaining team culture in a remote environment
  • Relentless pressure from health plan payors, particularly considering the No Surprises Act
  • Difficulty recruiting and retaining quality candidates in a tight labor market
  • Managing multiple generations in the workplace

In order to effectively manage such a wide range of threats and challenges, I believe one has to:

  1. operate at their personal best,
  2. have access to the right resources (internally and externally),
  3. adopt a problem-solving, growth mindset, and
  4. develop an over-the-horizon vision.

It’s important to remember that no one can go it alone. Whether you are a sitting GC or an aspiring one, I’d be happy to talk to you about how our team at GCWest can support your success. I’ve sat in the hot seat and have first-hand awareness and knowledge about how difficult your jobs are these days having just come out of one. Carrie has recent experience serving as the interim chief compliance officer at City of Hope. Our entire team provides unique support with an “inside counsel” mindset based on our collective experiences in high-intensity environments. Together, we can help you to not only survive, but thrive!

Note: As of January 1st, I have returned to GCWest in a part-time role with the ability to serve client needs. In addition, I am continuing in a part-time role at Radiology Partners mentoring my long-time friend and colleague, Caren Weakley, in her role as the new GC, as well as working on special projects.

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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

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