Company: Keller North America, Inc.
Email: ecannon@keller-na.com
Website: https://www.keller-na.com/
Under Grad: University of Delaware (Bachelor of Civil Engineering 2000)
Grad School: The University of Texas (Master of Civil Engineering 2002)
Law School: Howard University (JD 2008)
States Where Company Operates/Does Business: Throughout the US and Canada
Q: Describe your background and the path you took to becoming in-house counsel.
A: I studied civil engineering in undergrad and finally found my "calling" when I took a construction course, prompting me to pursue a master's in construction engineering. I started my career at Turner, holding various engineering positions, the last of which introduced me to the "contracting" side of construction. I was inspired to go to law school (in hopes of becoming an in-house lawyer there). After law school, I joined BigLaw, but maintained my desire to practice construction law. I then jumped to a small construction practice group at a mid-size firm, and the mentoring and experience there was everything I could hope for (but for the looming business development and billable hour requirements). From there, I became the sole in-house counsel for a large cement manufacturer and was a true construction generalist. Now I am part of a great legal team for a leading geotechnical specialty contractor. My moves were strategic, and I'm pleased to say that this is the very career I went to law school to have.
Ms. Knox may be contacted at jessica.knox@stinson.com