When Gregg Radetsky, vice president and general counsel at Nexen Petroleum U.S.A. Inc. in Houston, interviewed lawyers last fall for an in-house position at his company, he had several requirements beyond basic legal skills: leadership; the ability to understand business risks, along with legal risks, because oil and gas exploration is a risky business; and ease in interacting with executives. Not least, Radetsky says, he also wanted to hire a lawyer with potential to lead the legal department once he retires in a few years.
He chose to hire Sean T. Johnson in October 2012 as senior counsel-corporate. Since Johnson has been on the job, Radetsky says he’s been impressed, particularly with his contract skills.
