In this Q&A with The Texas Lawbook, Debra Stockton, general counsel for Helmerich & Payne, discusses the traits she seeks in outside counsel, what outside counsel need to know when working with her and more.
The Texas Lawbook: What has been your best day at H&P?
Debra Stockton: The day I was hired. When I was looking for my next role after deciding to leave RealPage, it was very important to me that I found a place where culture was important and where people enjoyed working. People work at H&P their entire careers, and their family members work at H&P. The reason is that H&P puts people first. I have definitely felt that during my time working for H&P.
Lawbook: What do you look for in hiring outside counsel?
Stockton: Partnership. H&P is not going to be a large firm’s biggest client (in terms of matters or spend), but we want outside counsel and partners who will treat us the same way they treat their biggest client. We expect innovative and highly competent legal services, at a reasonable price and budget, and prompt responses to our issues.
Lawbook: What does outside counsel need to know about working with you?
Stockton: We want to be kept up to date on all matters. We expect an honest evaluation of the matter and communication about the good and the bad. We are a for-profit business, and in-house legal is considered [a general and administrative expense], overhead, cost, etc. We are responsible for budgeting just like the heads of our business units that manage our operations. While we typically do not ask for or operate under fixed fee arrangements, we do expect our outside counsel to provide timely, realistic budgets for matters.
Lawbook: What question am I not asking that I should be asking?
Stockton: The earlier question asked about any life-impacting events, but I also think you should be asking about life-impacting people. I have had so many people that have played a key role in my life and career. Laura Leonard — the teacher I mentioned in response to an earlier question. Betty Howard — the first person that was my “work mom” when I took my first corporate job at Williams. Kevin Ward — the first attorney I worked for at Williams. Larry Hall — who is an attorney at Baker Botts and was a mentor to me both when I worked in-house and also when I decided to give law firm life a try. Margot Carter — who was my boss and mentor at RealPage and is a great friend who I will always cherish. My current boss, Cara Hair — who is inspiring, gives me freedom in my role and treats me more like a peer than someone who reports to her.
Click here to read the Lawbook profile of Debra Stockton.