Team size: 90 lawyers; total team size – 300  
Major legal advisers:   Winston & Strawn, Sidley Austin, Skadden Arps, Faegre Drinker, Baker & McKenzie, Eversheds  
 

Editors Note: This interview was conducted in early 2023. 

What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?
 
There is no question that the biggest challenge in the past year has been the Russian invasion of Ukraine. First and foremost, ADM has over 600 employees there, including legal and government relations executives who report to me, whom we have taken care of and even relocated where feasible. And then, of course, ADM is one of the world’s largest firms in the agricultural space, so we have had to assist Ukrainian farmers, processors, and the transportation network to keep the food flowing to other countries around the world, even in the midst of a deadly and tragic war.  
 
Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?   
 
We have employed our existing Matter Management System (MMS) to establish a straightforward automated Request for Proposal (RFP) process for selecting law firms and other external service providers for matters that are expected to involve more than minimal costs. When a new matter is opened, the Professional-in-Charge (PIC) is required to select a minimum of three firms to receive the RFP – the MMS then dispatches RFPs to these firms. We have found that this innovation forces the firms to focus on pricing, assembling competent teams, and handling matters in the most efficient way possible.  
 
What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?  
 
The qualities needed to succeed as an in-house lawyer in our industry are the same as those needed in any other industry – knowledge of the business, a practical and solution-oriented mindset, a lack of ego, dedication to the team, and constant, non-legalistic communications with both businesspeople and other colleagues.