76 www.lawyer-monthly.com Lynne, can you share with us your journey to becoming the General Counsel of Hearthstone? What were some of the pivotal moments in your career? ‘Journey’ is a good word. Growing up, I always thought I’d be a marine biologist. As many of us can attest, we are rarely presented with the archetypal professional track to be followed to achieve career goals, and the goals themselves may even change. I have had several pivots in my career – some anticipated and linear; some not. The trick is to stay adaptable and resilient and, where possible, to identify opportunities as they present themselves (even if not obvious). I began my career in a large law firm, where I focused on environment, natural resources, and energy law. My first significant pivot was a move from private practice to the public sector, where I led the Environmental and Natural Resources Department of the Virginia Attorney General’s Office. My second major pivot was moving in-house with a large public utility, and the most recent pivot brought me in-house within the private sector at Hearthstone. Each turning point was a unique opportunity that got me where I am today. Being a woman in the legal profession, how has your experience been navigating this traditionally male-dominated space? It’s been a great experience overall. I have worked with professionals throughout my career and have found that, for the most part, individuals are treated in accordance with what they bring to the table. If someone is willing to put in the work, prove themselves, and weather the challenges and maybe some challenging people along the way then they ultimately will find success. Lynne Rhode 781 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgantown WV, 26505 Tel: 844 488 0530 | Email: lrhode@hearthstonecompany.com www.hearthstonecompany.com General Counsel Hearthstone “We are rarely presented with the archetypal professional track to be followed to achieve career goals, and the goals themselves may even change. The trick is to stay adaptable and resilient.” General Counsel of the Year In today’s conversation, we sit down with Lynne Rhode, the General Counsel of Hearthstone, who has successfully navigated the complex world of law and carved a niche for herself in a traditionally male-dominated arena. From her early days in environmental and natural resource law to her pivotal role at Hearthstone, Lynne’s journey underscores the essence of adaptability and the value of diverse experiences. Through our dialogue, she provides insights into her career transitions, the nuances of being a woman in law, and the guiding principles that have anchored her through challenges and triumphs.
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