Having begun her career with the firm in Atlanta, Jaliya reflects on the early responsibility, trust and client exposure that helped shape her career in law. Now Deputy General Counsel and Head of Enterprise Legal Services at Vanguard, she shares her perspective on transitioning in-house, supporting business decision-making, and what distinguishes truly valued external counsel.
What is your fondest memory of your time at Eversheds Sutherland?
What stands out most is how much responsibility I was given early on. I had the opportunity to work on significant matters much earlier than I expected, and I still remember how exciting that felt. It was a great learning experience, but it also gave me confidence. I was fortunate to work with people who were willing to trust junior lawyers with meaningful work.
What impact did the firm have on you as a lawyer?
The firm played an important role in my development as a lawyer. I learned the technical aspects of the profession, but I also learned how to work with clients, exercise judgment, and take ownership of my work. I was fortunate to have opportunities early in my career to work on meaningful matters and interact directly with clients. Those experiences shaped how I approach my work today.
How would you describe the in-house transition after leaving private practice?
The biggest adjustment was realizing that legal issues are rarely the only issues. In private practice, you're often asked for the legal answer. In-house, you still need to provide the legal answer, but you also need to understand the business context, the practical constraints, and the people involved. You're not just identifying risks; you're helping people make decisions and move forward. I found that shift both challenging and rewarding.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of taking an in-house role?
Be honest with yourself about why you want to make the move. A lot of people focus on quality of life, which may or may not be different depending on the role. What matters more is whether you enjoy being part of the business and helping people make decisions when there isn't a perfect answer. If that sounds interesting to you, an in-house role can be incredibly rewarding.
What do you value from external counsel?
I value responsiveness, strong legal advice, and a genuine effort to understand the business. The lawyers I find most helpful are the ones who take the time to understand what we're trying to accomplish and tailor their advice accordingly. I also appreciate counsel who add value beyond the immediate matter, whether that's sharing insights from other clients, identifying emerging issues, or bringing a fresh perspective to a challenge we're facing.
What is something funny or interesting that people don't know about you?
I'm generally pretty practical and risk-averse, which is why people are usually surprised to learn that I love roller coasters. Luckily, all three of my kids love them too, because my husband definitely does not.