Alumna Angela Shannon (Litigation, 2010 – 2013, 2014 – 2016), Counsel, Corporate Litigation at IBM, practiced in the firm’s Litigation Department. Angela received her B.A. from Boston College and her J.D. from Columbia Law School.

1. What are the most challenging aspects of your job? How has your experience at Paul, Weiss helped you in your current role?

As an in-house lawyer at IBM, I handle more matters than I did at a firm, which is challenging but also rewarding—and one of the aspects I most enjoy about my job. I am actively involved in all my matters and regularly draw on my experience at Paul, Weiss, particularly when it comes to disciplined case management, strategic planning, and extensive and early trial preparation.

2. What is the most interesting aspect of your job at IBM from a legal perspective?

As a member of IBM’s Corporate Litigation department, I enjoy tackling a wide range of diverse and complex legal issues and providing legal support to all of IBM’s business units. This work allows me to learn about new areas of the law and IBM’s business as a whole, as opposed to specializing in one practice area. In addition to advising on active litigations, I love providing advice to the business when disputes arise, before litigation has been filed.

3. What advice would you give a young lawyer who wants to be an in-house lawyer?

Young lawyers who want to go in-house should seek out a variety of opportunities during their time at a law firm—including an active pro bono docket. They will also benefit over the long term by seeking out diversified experiences, including the cases and teams on which they work. In addition, it is critical for young lawyers to pay attention to their individual client’s objectives and think about the case from the client’s perspective, including how the case impacts the company’s reputation and the implications of future litigation for the company. This mindset will help in the transition from a law firm to an in-house role.