In episode 11 of GC Sidebar, Jaci Lee, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Flynn Group, joins host Trista Engel for an energizing conversation about scaling legal, leading with humanity, and the culture GCs create.
From the timeless challenge of delivering exceptional legal service efficiently to the pride she takes in building a 16-person department from scratch, Jackie offers a candid look at what makes a legal team thrive. She shares the career question that has guided her leadership, “Who’s here because of you?“, and explains why mentorship, kindness, and culture matter just as much as legal acumen. It’s a conversation that reveals the true legacy of a GC: not just the wins you deliver, but the people who stay and grow because of your leadership.
Prefer reading over watching? Below is the complete transcript from our GC Sidebar interview with Jaci Lee, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Flynn Group
Trista Engel:
Hi, I’m Trista Engel, CEO of Paragon Legal, and welcome to GC Sidebar, a short and sharp conversation series with today’s most forward-thinking general counsel. In just four questions, we cover the legal industry, leadership, careers, and a little fun.
Today I’m joined by Jaci Lee, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Flynn Group, the largest franchise operator in the world, bringing you seven iconic brands including Pizza Hut, Wendy’s, and Panera Bread.
Jaci began her legal career as a litigator at Jones Day, where she spent over a decade handling high-stakes IP and commercial litigation. She joined Flynn as Associate General Counsel in 2018 and was elevated to General Counsel in 2019.
And I have to share that Jaci was honored as WIPL’s 2024 GC of the Year. Jackie, I share your love of reality TV and your passion for drone pizza delivery, and I’m very excited you’re here. Thanks for joining me.
Jaci Lee:
Thanks for having me.
Trista Engel:
What’s the biggest challenge facing GCs and in-house legal teams today?
Jaci Lee:
I think the biggest challenge is actually the age-old challenge of being able to deliver exceptional service and legal products in the most cost-effective and efficient way.
It’s a problem that never goes away, because just as you’re learning one thing, whether it’s implementing new alternative fee arrangements, you’re also having to learn generative AI and how to scale your legal services in a different technological environment, a different regulatory environment, a different business environment.
The challenge is the same as it’s always been, but it continues to escalate as the world around us evolves.
Trista Engel:
Absolutely. As soon as you think you’ve nailed one thing and you’re getting comfortable, something else comes up.
What accomplishment are you most proud of in your current role?
Jaci Lee:
The thing I’m most proud of is, hands down, my team. When I was elevated into this role in 2019, I was one of two attorneys. Now we are 12 attorneys and four legal professionals.
They are, to a person, super smart, really funny, warm, and kind. They care so much about the client and doing great work, and they care deeply about each other.
We’re a team that wins a lot, but also laughs a lot, and that’s really special. Unlike winning a trial or summary judgment, which is pretty great, there are other lawyers who can do that. But I know that only I could have put together this team in this way, with exactly these people. It’s definitely the thing I’m most proud of.
Trista Engel:
That’s amazing. Hiring is one of the hardest and most important jobs any leader has, and it sounds like you’ve done it well.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received or given?
Jaci Lee:
The best career advice is actually less advice and more of a question. It’s a question the firm leadership, when I was back at the law firm, used to ask its lawyers: Who’s here because of you?
Not just in the sense of recruiting, but who stays at the organization because of you, because of your kindness, your mentorship, because you see them and want to promote and develop them.
I love this question because it’s a reminder that no matter where you sit in the organization, you have the ability to contribute to its longevity and its culture, and to be the kind of person others want to be around and follow.
Trista Engel:
I love that. I haven’t heard that before, but it’s such a great mantra or question that reminds you about the community you’re building and the one you’re part of, and how you’re making it better aside from just your wins and your legal chops.
Jaci Lee:
That’s exactly it.
Trista Engel:
If you weren’t an attorney, what would you be?
Jaci Lee:
I love to read, so I think I would love to be a book editor. I actually love being a lawyer, so this question was hard. But the next best thing is I could read books all day, and I love taking something great and making it exceptional.
The idea of being able to read and then elevate work to something that will really resonate with people really appeals to me.
Trista Engel:
I love that. I’m imagining a fireplace, a cozy mug, and lots of books.
And the bonus question: who is your favorite fictional lawyer?
Jaci Lee:
My favorite fictional lawyer is, no question, Gerri from Succession. You don’t want to mess with Gerri.
Trista Engel:
Well, that was really fun. Thank you so much, Jaci, for sharing your thoughtful answers and your journey.
Jaci Lee:
Thank you.
Trista Engel:
All right, that’s a wrap on today’s episode of GC Sidebar. Catch more great conversations on our website at paragonlegal.com. Thanks for tuning in.
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