Leslie Kaltenbach of Chubb – Photo by Carmen Natale/ALM

Leslie Kaltenbach, a senior privacy officer and compliance manager for Chubb and an 18-year veteran of the Warren-based insurer, is cochair of the Chubb North America Office of General Counsel's Pro Bono Committee. She has “transformed the culture of Pro Bono at Chubb and our company's dedication to … non-profit organizations,” and in 2018 increased engagement in the pro bono program, according to a colleague. Kaltenbach orchestrated pro bono events in conjunction with Pro Bono Partnership, Wounded Warriors Project, the Association of Corporate Counsel's New Jersey chapter, and law firm Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker. She has represented clients pro bono in landlord-tenant disputes and immigration-deportation proceedings. For Chubb, Kaltenbach specializes in privacy and data security, transactional law and insurance regulation.

What are some of your proudest achievements of 2018, and why?

In 2018, I was proud to continue as a cochair of the Chubb North America Office of General Counsel (OGC) Pro Bono Committee and, in that capacity, coordinate volunteer opportunities for Chubb OGC members. In my job position as Senior Privacy Officer and Compliance Manager in Chubb's Global Privacy Office, I provided support to Chubb's Global Privacy Program.

How is the role of general counsel evolving, and how have you adapted?

It is more important than ever in today's fast-changing business environment that general counsel is responsive to both the business and compliance needs of the company it serves and handles both facets well. In the privacy sphere in which I work, the regulatory landscape is evolving at a particularly rapid pace, so I have to continually ensure that I am current about legal and regulatory developments and trends in order to advise my clients appropriately.

In the traditionally insular role of in-house lawyer, what challenges have you overcome in standing out—in the legal profession at large and within your organization?

Engagement both within and outside my organization has been key to making a difference. I am involved within Chubb in the Pro Bono Program and the Global Legal & Compliance Mentoring Program and externally through relationships with pro bono organizations such as Pro Bono Partnership, Rutgers Child Advocacy Clinic and Legal Services of Northwest Jersey (LSNWJ).

How do you find it most effective to develop leadership skills, and to foster them in others?

I have found that volunteering to take the lead on overseeing projects both within my job position and as part of Chubb employee groups has been a valuable way for me to develop leadership skills and to encourage others to enhance their skills.

What is your best advice for in-house lawyers trying to make an impact, with their corporate clients, their communities, and beyond?

It's important for in-house lawyers to learn and really understand their company's business, which is a continual process, in order to serve as a trusted adviser. To provide thoughtful advice to clients, you have to understand their objectives and concerns and how your advice will affect the business. Beyond that, I believe that through both every-day business interactions and involvement in community and professional groups, it's essential to make the effort to build strong relationships within and outside of your organization that will provide you with support throughout your career.