ACC South Carolina Member Spotlight: Sally Grumbos
VP, Associate General Counsel - Intellectual Property for Milliken & Company
When did you “go in-house,” and what prompted your decision?
I joined Milliken in 1999 (hard to believe it’s been over 25 years!) After obtaining my degree in Textile Technology & Management, I went to Washington, D.C. to be a patent examiner for the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. While working there, I obtained my law degree at George Mason and eventually returned to North Carolina to work for a law firm (Bell, Seltzer, Park & Gibson/Alston & Bird). A headhunter who used to call me periodically called and said, “I know you are happy where you are, but listen to me and seriously consider this job at Milliken because I think it would be a perfect fit.” From my undergraduate experience I was familiar with Milliken’s strong history of innovation and industry-leading R&D capabilities. Ultimately, the opportunity to work closely with so many smart inventors and in-house attorneys was too good to pass up.
What do you enjoy most about being in-house counsel?
Some vocational testing I did years back revealed that I would be happiest when working in a specialized role as part of a team. I think that’s why I’ve been so happy in my in-house position: I get to work daily with the researchers, other members of our legal department, and the business teams to solve challenges, analyze risks, and develop and implement the best IP and legal strategies to support business objectives. Also, not being burdened with specific billable hour requirements enabled me to stretch and take on tasks outside of those where I was experienced. For example, when the company needed someone to assume management of the trademark portfolio, I was able to accept that role even though it meant needing to educate myself since I didn’t have a lot of experience in that area. I enjoy being part of projects from their inception all the way through to commercialization, rather than focusing on just one stage. This is an opportunity that being in-house has afforded me.
Aside from the law, what professions are interesting to you?
I’ve always been fascinated by medicine and enjoy helping people, and my father used to say he thought I would be a great nurse. As a mom of two rough and tumble boys, I hope to limit my medical practice to the application of bandages and hydrocortisone.
What advice would you give to new in-house lawyers or those contemplating going in house?
For those contemplating it, I would say do it! I was hesitant to make the switch from a firm, but I’ve never regretted it. Because of our unique position and exposure to a variety of activities, our legal team finds that we often serve the important function of seeing and making connections between various projects and areas of the company. The best in-house attorneys I’ve seen do an exceptional job of developing relationships with their business partners, asking questions (even when not directly related to the legal task), and seeking solutions that manage risks appropriately for specific situations rather than just saying no to a proposal. So, I’d say connect, ask, and use your best creative problem-solving to find solutions for the business within appropriate risk and ethical bounds.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I have my best energy early (to the chagrin of my husband who likes to ease into morning) but I also typically get a second burst once the kids are down and things are quiet. It’s a challenge to get a full eight hours most nights. I envy those people who only need a few hours of sleep for peak performance!
What do enjoy outside of work?
Spending time with my family and friends, watching my kids’ sporting events, cooking, live music, travel and trip planning.
What book or movie do you recommend, and why?
Most of my reading “for fun” is done via audiobook on my commute to work, so I tend to choose things that take my mind off the traffic on I-85. I particularly enjoy thrillers, historical fiction and non-fiction. Recent favorites have been Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan, anything Kristin Hannah or Brad Thor.
How long have you been an ACC member, and what is your favorite part about it?
I’ve been involved with ACC for over 10 years. I appreciate the quality CLE programs and the chance to connect with local in-house attorneys. In addition, the online resources have also proven to be helpful on more than one occasion.