Page 30 - CCCA Magazine Winter 2017

{ FeatUre }

BeYond tHe desk
taKeaway: Whether currently looking to make a move
or not, create a business plan that lays out what you bring Looking back, it’s clear the skills gained during my previous ca-
to the table and practice your elevator pitch until it reso- reer have proven directly transferable to my new role—a testa-
nates with your target audience. Identify the value you add in terms ment to the plasticity of the in-house role and the opportunity it
of both legal and business skills. presents to make one’s own mark on the position. For example,
as a foreign service offcer, I spent much of my time working in
on tHe JoB diverse environments and connecting with local stakeholders to
gain a deeper understanding of the interests and drivers at play
Hands down the most important factor in smoothing out on the ground. Now, two years in with Major, I regularly draw
this inevitably bumpy transition was the top-notch handover on those experiences when tackling problems, understanding
received. My predecessor was a seasoned veteran who knew that a strict legal assessment of an issue is but one of many an-
the company inside-out after helming the legal department gles to consider, and that things don’t always operate abroad as
for two decades. He kept meticulous fles, prepared detailed they do in Canada (for better or worse).
handover notes and always had an open door policy. He skill- Moreover, in my role as General Counsel, I recognize the im-
fully managed the devolution of responsibilities over time portance of continuing to get out into the feld to visit our op-
while I learned the ropes. I remain extremely grateful for erations and personnel, knowing that this frst-hand exposure
this, particularly given that such an extended handover isn't and this relationship building prove invaluable when dealing
without its extra costs. Thus, the main takeaway here is that with issues that arise at job sites around the globe.
if a company is in a position to absorb the additional upfront
G&A costs for an executive-level handover, it's a worthwhile taKeaway: Your success is as unique as you are. Use
investment in the long term. your leadership and judgment and look at the bigger picture
This was well complemented by a team who was exceedingly to be a strong business advisor. Take a proactive approach
patient in felding my regular onslaught of questions. While this and become known as a problem-solver. Your reputation precedes you
friendly atmosphere is of little surprise in a province renowned in current and future roles.
for its hospitality, there’s also something special about the col-
legiality and support of the Major team. So, for those looking to tHe rigHt move?
make a leap, the culture of prospective employers should be at
the forefront of your considerations (albeit a diffcult dynamic There are defnitely times when I miss the adventure of living
to decipher from the outside). abroad in often challenging but exciting environments (and
Though staying up to speed on legal developments and pur- don’t get me started on how much I miss the weather!). That
suing further legal studies through my LLM was of great help said, from a professional point of view, I have no regrets. My
in preparing for the transition, there’s no replacement for the role as General Counsel has all the elements I was looking for:
practice of law. I had to work hard at shaking off some of the constant problem-solving with those on the front lines, great
cobwebs when it came to contract drafting and ramping up on variety in work (corporate/commercial law, employment law,
specifc areas of law pertaining to publicly traded companies. corporate governance, business development, risk analysis,
All of this was done in parallel with a crash course on the ins etc.), high level of responsibility and involvement in key busi-
and outs of the business and the industry. On this point, while ness decisions—all while working within a strong corporate
there’s something to be said for conveying confdence from day culture with an international presence.
one despite a nearly vertical learning curve, a dash of genuine In a nutshell, the in-house role offers the ideal mix, where
humility can go a long way. being a generalist is my specialty. ❚

taKeaway: Develop a confdent, executive presence
but be ready to ask for help. Identify your areas of weak- Andrew McLaughlin is the General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Major
ness and work to overcome them. A deep understanding of Drilling Group International Inc. He previously served for nearly a decade in
your organization’s business is crucial. If hiring, plan on knowledge Canada’s Foreign Service. He began his legal career as a lawyer with a regional
law frm on Canada’s East Coast. Andrew.McLaughlin@majordrilling.com
transfer time; if moving, request that time as possible. And remem-
ber: ft is key to long-term success.

30 CCCa MaGazine | WinTer 2017 hiVer