Eleanor P. Williams
Chief of Staff to the General Counsel –
Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company

Description of field of expertise

Eleanor began her legal career as a litigator. She began her legal career as a law clerk immediately following law school and then moved to a law firm where she was involved in bankruptcy and government investigations litigation at a law firm associate in Boston. She joined MassMutual nearly ten years ago and handled litigation matters involving financial services products. She has spent the past four years outside of the Law Department working in business and strategy roles and recently rejoined the Law Department as Chief of Staff to the General Counsel.

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

A legal education provides professionals with many transferable skills that are coveted in business and legal settings. Problem solving, strategic thinking, and people management are all valuable skills that lawyers should hone as they advance their careers. 

In addition, to prepare for a lengthy dynamic career, new attorneys should: 

• Become expert in new and emerging areas of the law that will add value to law firms and law departments.  
• Be flexible. Explore both litigation and transactional work. 
• Focus on professional development throughout your career.