Having started his career with the firm in our US tax practice, Madison reflects on the formative experiences, mentorship and standout moments that shaped his transition in‑house. Now a senior tax leader at Coca‑Cola, he shares candid insights on ownership, decision‑making and what he values most in external counsel.
What is your fondest memory of your time at Eversheds Sutherland?
Madison’s fondest memories are the tax group retreats, which brought together 75–100 top tax professionals to step back from daily work and think strategically as a group. He also valued the opportunity to work on cutting-edge tax matters, highlighting a Louisiana tax litigation matter that the firm won that set nationwide precedent.
What has been the impact of the firm on you as a lawyer
Madison experienced genuine mentorship within a high-performance and supportive culture. The firm helped him develop self-reliance and confidence by pushing him to grow professionally while providing support rather than leaving him to fail alone. He grew more as a professional during his years at the firm than at any other period of his career.
What’s changed at the firm – and what feels the same?
The firm’s global reach has expanded significantly, particularly the UK/EU team’s commercial contracts practice, which I now collaborate with often. What feels the same is the collegial culture. People continue to be supportive and welcoming, and it’s always nice to see so many familiar faces.
The in-house transition
In-house work changed how Madison interacts with clients, who are now primarily business professionals rather than legal clients. He moved from presenting options to making decisions and living with the outcomes. He values the deeper ownership and accountability that comes with implementing the advice he gives and the opportunity to work alongside incredibly talented businesspeople.
Advice for attorneys considering going in-house
Choose the right company carefully and understand the scope of the role, as mobility between roles can be more limited once in-house.
What he values from external counsel
Madison values long-term relationships, fair billing, proactive thinking and lawyers who serve as practical sounding boards. He appreciates outside counsel who understand his expectations, ask clarifying questions, avoid surprises and flag issues they see across other companies.
Something funny or interesting people don’t know
He received his first post-law-school job interview at PwC, where he ultimately was hired, because reviewers assumed from his resume that he was a woman who fly-fished. He was named after the Madison River in Yellowstone by his father, who is an avid fly fisherman.