Jeannine O. Puello

I attribute my success to a combination of curiosity, adaptability, and the mentors and opportunities that shaped my path. I didn’t start my career with a master plan for legal operations or consulting; like many women of my generation, I began in retail as a buyer, learning how decisions ripple through systems, budgets, and people, lessons that quietly prepared me for a career built on structure, problem-solving, and long-term relationships. My transition into legal operations came through roles in training and systems management at AT&T and Verizon, where I had the privilege of working with a mentor who challenged me to think bigger and design systems that truly connect technology, finance, and legal strategy. Over the past 30 years, I have focused on electronic billing and matter management systems, helping legal departments align complex data with financial realities. At Swiftwater, I now lead a team of ten and consult with global legal departments on Enterprise Legal Management systems, building solutions and relationships that endure. There was also a period when I stepped away to be a stay-at-home mom to my three daughters, an experience that gave me perspective, presence, and happiness, and thanks to Swiftwater’s supportive culture, reentering my role felt seamless, as if I had never left.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from Hassan El Asraoui, whom I have known since the beginning of my career. When he invited me to join him in his next chapter, starting a business venture, I was eager to say yes. That experience taught me the value of developing and fostering relationships that truly matter. Hassan showed me not just how to use systems, but how to think differently about them, and his belief in me before I fully believed in myself shaped my entire career and continues to influence how I approach leadership and collaboration.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to focus on building genuine relationships and putting people first. Having a strong human connection is essential, whether you are a client or a consultant, and it requires not only empathy but also expertise. Be proficient with data, be responsive, and don’t underestimate the value of picking up the phone and communicating directly. Success comes from combining technical skill with authentic, thoughtful engagement.

One of the biggest challenges in my field today is maintaining meaningful human connections in a culture where remote work is increasingly common. Bridging the gap between traditional norms and the expectations of younger professionals requires intentional effort, even in virtual settings, which is why I encourage practices like turning on cameras during Zoom meetings to preserve personal connection and engagement. At the same time, I recognize that this industry can still feel male-dominated, and I see a tremendous opportunity to highlight and celebrate the knowledge, experience, and contributions that women bring. Focusing on relationship-building, awareness, and inclusion is key to thriving in this evolving environment.

The values that are most important to me in both work and life center on balance, integrity, and genuine connection. As a mother of three, I know that work-life balance isn’t just a slogan—it’s about working with people who understand and respect your life, not just your output. I also value hands-on collaboration and creating a sense of belonging, particularly in an era where workplace culture can feel impersonal and process-driven. At Swiftwater, our close, informal, and highly invested team reflects those values, and I love the people I work with even more than the profession itself. I thrive on challenges, enjoy working with data, and take pride in mentoring, always holding myself to the same standards I ask of my team.