Take the Quiz

Our Story

Inside Counsel Academy was founded to bridge a critical gap in the development of in-house legal professionals.

Most traditional professional development programs cater to executives or generalists, often missing the unique challenges faced by inside counsel. Recognizing this gap, seasoned General Counsel and industry expert Joseph Schohl, along with strategic consultant Mary Kowenhoven, created Inside Counsel Academy to provide a structured, transformative approach to training and mentorship. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide a roadmap to leadership, helping inside counsel master the skills required to become trusted, strategic advisors and leaders within their organizations.

From the beginning, Inside Counsel Academy has focused on solving real, day-to-day challenges in the in-house legal world. We’re not just a training program – we’re a community of like-minded professionals who are committed to helping each other succeed.

Mission Statement

Empowering in-house lawyers to reach their full potential.

Vision Statement

To become the premier professional development community for in-house counsel, transforming careers and elevating the in-house legal profession through targeted, practical training and community support.

Our Values

Professional Excellence

We believe in providing best-in-class resources that empower inside counsel to excel. Our curriculum and community are held to the highest standards, so you can count on us to deliver training that makes a real difference.

Integrity and Transparency

Integrity is foundational to our work. We prioritize ethical principles, transparency, and accountability in every interaction, ensuring that our members always have a clear understanding of their journey with us.

Community and Connection

Success is better when shared. Inside Counsel Academy is more than just a program—it’s a supportive community where members build meaningful connections, share experiences, and learn from each other’s paths.

Continuous Growth and Learning

We’re here to help you continuously evolve. Our commitment to lifelong learning ensures that every member is supported in both their immediate and long-term professional growth.

Practical Impact

We know your time is valuable. Our programs are designed to be immediately applicable, focusing on practical skills and strategies that you can implement right away to see results.

Meet Our Founders

Joseph Schohl, Co-Founder and CEO

Joseph brings nearly 30 years of experience as a legal strategist and healthcare industry expert. He has served as Chief Legal Officer at Radiology Partners, Inc., and General Counsel at DaVita Inc., where he led teams and initiatives that drove innovation. With his background in both corporate law and coaching, Joseph’s mission is to empower in-house counsel to become impactful leaders.

Read Full Bio
Mary Kowenhoven headshot

Mary Kowenhoven, Co-Founder

Mary, a strategist and operations expert, co-developed ICA’s 8 Essentials for Inside Counsel Mastery. With a career that includes roles as Vice President of Strategy at DaVita Inc. and a strategy consultant at Bain & Co., Mary’s expertise lies in guiding professionals toward sustainable, strategic growth. She’s dedicated to building a framework that allows inside counsel to thrive in complex corporate environments.

Read Full Bio

How We Help You Succeed

Inside Counsel Academy is not just a training program.

It’s a solution to the unique challenges faced by in-house legal professionals. Our mission is to equip you with leadership skills, provide a network of supportive peers, and guide you toward your ultimate career goal, whether that’s becoming a world-class General Counsel or simply growing into the best in-house lawyer you can be. We understand the high demands on your role, and we’re here to make your journey smoother, with the skills and support you need to succeed.

Ready to Transform Your Career?

Join a community that’s designed exclusively for inside counsel, with the training and support to help you thrive at the executive level.

Explore Our Transformative Coaching Community

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