This interview is with Nadine Jones, Legal Consultant & Executive Order Expert at GC Support Services.

Nadine Jones, Legal Consultant & Executive Order Expert, GC Support Services

Can you introduce yourself and share your background in the legal field?

I'm a 2003 Howard School of Law graduate who worked in both big law in Washington, D.C., and in-house, rising to the level of General Counsel of a multibillion-dollar company.

Now, as an expert in legal consultancy and as the Founder of GC Support Services, my team and I help to fill critical gaps for overextended legal departments—spearheading major legal and compliance projects that internal teams don't have the capacity to complete, and that traditional outside counsel often approach without the business awareness or cross-functional collaboration today's corporate environment demands.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how did you navigate your journey to your current position?

I don't recall a time when I didn't want to pursue a career in law, so there isn't a specific memory or set of facts that inspired me to do so. I've always been drawn to the idea of justice, fairness, etc.

I went into law school a bit later than most, not because I didn't know what I wanted to do, but because I didn't think that I was smart enough. So I needed to develop my self-confidence and understanding that I could do it if I tried.

In your experience, what's the most common misconception people have about the legal profession, and how do you address it?

In terms of practicing law? The most challenging aspect is truly believing—not just paying lip service, but genuinely believing—that taking a break when necessary, setting boundaries, engaging in hobbies, and dedicating free time to interests outside of the law are not only acceptable but also beneficial for becoming a better attorney.

We claim to believe in work-life balance, yet our actions and tendency to reward and admire workaholic attorneys suggest otherwise.

Can you share a particularly challenging case or legal situation you've encountered in your career and how you approached it?

Two pro bono cases that I worked on while at the law firm come to mind. One was a Pigford Farm case where my firm was assigned to defend one of the Black farmers alleging discrimination against the USDA. We received the case late in the proceedings but still managed to secure a significant amount for the farmer, which felt like vindication and justice to him.