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CCCA_V7No2_Profiles-FIN_CCCA 13-05-16 3:28 PM Page 20 Profile — CCCA 2013 National Spring Conference P aula Boggs exited the in-house world trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she during the Iran-Contra affair in which at the pinnacle of her career as gener- now lives part time. senior administration officials had secretly al counsel at Starbucks. Now she is facilitated the sale of arms to Iran. Boggs She had no firm plans — except the mulling a second act after a lifetime of twists and turns. She spoke to the CCCA continued growth of her fledgling jazz- and her boss helped the White House “cut a deal” that allowed then-vice-president blues-rock band. In her rear-view mirror, Spring Conference in April about taking risks, Boggs contemplated with satisfaction her George H.W. Bush to be deposed by an finding mentors and laying the groundwork for journey to date. Office of Independent Counsel lawyer in what comes next. Writer Michael Dempster An African-American, she was born in the vice-president’s office rather than hav- caught up to her before the conference. Washington D.C. into a learning environ- ing to appear before the Grand Jury. For Paula Boggs, it was time to close a ment. Her father was a biology professor, Following her military service, Boggs chapter on a successful legal career. her mother a teacher. In 1972, her parents moved to Seattle as a federal prosecutor. The 53-year-old lawyer had led the cor- separated and she and three siblings moved There would be another stint in D.C. — porate legal department at the Starbucks to Germany and later Italy, where her working on the Tailhook military sex Coffee Company in Seattle for 10 years, mother taught school and was a principal. scandal — then a private practice partner- moulding a team from 50 in-house lawyers When she returned home, Boggs accept- ship before moving to Texas in 1997 to based entirely in Seattle to a staff of 200 ed a U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training join CEO Michael Dell as the computer located in 14 countries. Corps (ROTC) scholarship. She graduated giant’s No. 2 in-house legal counsel. Five Working at the coffee chain giant was from Johns Hopkins University in 1981, years later, Boggs moved to Starbucks to the exclamation mark on more than a was commissioned a second lieutenant and work alongside CEO Howard Schultz. quarter century of exceptional experiences underwent military training for cadets. “I interacted with and was mentored that included working for memorable and Not ready to serve her four-year hitch, by some powerful people,” she recalls. “I powerful personalities, including U.S. pres- she began law school at the University of was very fortunate to learn some impor- idents and two high-profile CEOs. Berkeley, California. “I plotted my way to tant lessons early on. But in April 2012 Boggs retired. She delay active duty,” she laughs. “Law was “For one thing, no matter how lofty wanted new challenges, though she wasn’t convenient… although I’d always thought your perch, there’s always an opportunity sure what they might be. I’d become a diplomat.” to learn from somebody else. And there’s It was pure joy to work at Starbucks, When she began active duty service, it always going to be someone better than Boggs says, but on her last day she left the was in D.C. — 30 months at the Pentagon you, more talented than you, who you can company garage “took one last look and followed by 18 months in the White learn from.” never looked back.” Instead she pointed House. In the latter assignment she and her Boggs was impressed by both CEOs’ her car south on a 1,900-kilometre road boss defended the Reagan administration fearless nature, ability to calculate risk and By Michael Dempster The second season What’s left after you’ve built a world-class legal department with stops at BRYAN LOCKYER the White House and the Pentagon? Learning to sleep more, for starters. 20 CCCA Canadian Corporate Counsel Association SUMMER 2013