My Day in the Life experience at Power Sustainable began the moment I stepped into its vibrant office and was introduced to Jenna La Ricca, legal counsel at the firm and a fellow McGill graduate.
Without missing a beat, she invited me to join one of her calls, offering me an authentic glimpse into her daily responsibilities before I had even settled in.
Stepping into that call felt like hopping aboard a moving train, though in the best possible way.
As I observed Jenna taking meticulous notes, coordinating with outside counsel, and keeping various team members aligned throughout the day, I gained an appreciation for the multifaceted nature of in-house legal work. Rather than simply digesting the call’s objectives, I was captivated by her ability to translate legal nuances into practical business strategies that bolster the firm’s goals.
Over the course of the morning, I also sat in on meetings with diverse units such as compliance, partnerships, or client service, demonstrating just how widely counsel’s expertise can reach within an organization.
After having an excellent grilled chicken bún bowl from Petit Sao—courtesy of Jenna’s trusted recommendation, we took a tour of the office. I passed by incredible artwork and photographs of industrially altered landscapes, which perfectly reflected the firm’s mission of mobilizing private capital for climate-focused solutions, befitting its sustainable commitment as a pure-play asset management firm.
Later in her office, Jenna confided that transitioning from private practice to an in-house role was initially daunting, a sentiment many early-career professionals can likely relate to. Her background in M&A and capital market transactions proved invaluable, yet it still required adapting to a new environment.
Mentors like Weihe Feng and Rebecca McLeod, both Senior Legal Counsels, provided the support she needed to refine her strategic thinking and confidently apply her transactional expertise.
By day’s end, any initial anxieties I had were replaced with genuine excitement for the future. The work at Power Sustainable can indeed be intricate, and the stakes can feel high. Still, witnessing Jenna navigate these demands with focus, kindness, and a willingness to share her knowledge with others was inspiring.
On my way out, Delia Cristea, Partner, Chief Operating Officer, and General Counsel, whom I had the pleasure of watching lead a meeting that afternoon, offered me a beautiful umber gavel, a token she received when she became General Counsel.
It now sits proudly on my desk, serving as a reminder that success in the legal profession transcends technical expertise. It hinges on building meaningful relationships, maintaining an open mind, and finding purpose in every challenge, values embodied by everyone I met at Power Sustainable.