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Seeing the whole picture
One of the biggest differences between private practice and an in‐house role is perspective. Outside counsel often enters after a dispute has begun and must get up to speed quickly on a narrow slice of the business. Internally, the legal team works with stakeholders much earlier in the process and more consistently over time.
Since joining McDonald’ s, Heather has devoted significant effort to learning about its operations, culture, and strategic priorities. That knowledge directly influences her legal guidance. As her familiarity with the organization deepens, her ability to collaborate, anticipate issues, and offer tailored counsel grows.
Such holistic insight is harder to achieve for external lawyers who are typically engaged for specific matters. In-house, Heather sees the fuller picture: how a single dispute fits into larger initiatives, reputational considerations, and long‐term business plans.
Litigation at McDonald’ s often means working with several teams. Heather relies on colleagues with specialized knowledge, from real estate to marketing to operations, to inform legal strategy. She brings legal analysis and judgment, while they offer subject matter expertise. Together, they shape approaches that balance legal risks and broader business needs. Collaboration across departments isn’ t just helpful; it’ s essential.
A shifting view of success
As Heather has grown as a professional, her view of success has changed too. Early in her career, external recognition such as performance reviews, assignments, or the senior lawyers she worked with played a bigger role in measuring progress. Over time, she shifted her focus to the substance of her work and the value she brings.
That change now influences how she approaches her role at McDonald’ s. She places greater weight on being a strong collaborator, a 60