Carolyn Payne Discusses Her Career Path

Carolyn Payne, '04, was hosted on October 17, 2022, by the Business and Transactional Law Center and two student organizations, the Washburn Business Law Society and the Rural Practice Organization. Ms. Payne spoke to students about her role as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for AgriSompo North America and the career path that led her to the position.

Ms. Payne explained to students that, although she attended Washburn Law anticipating a career in litigation, she has been able to use her law degree to hold a variety of positions in business and transactional law. After working as a litigator right out of law school, Ms. Payne held positions at the Kansas Insurance Department and at multiple farm credit offices. In addition, she worked both as an attorney and a chief risk officer before accepting her current position as General Counsel at AgriSompo, based in Kansas City.

Ms. Payne talked about the financial and risk management work that she has done with the agriculture industry. She compared U.S. and foreign approaches to agriculture finance, and the differences with respect to measures like crop insurance. She also talked about the way that the laws of many different jurisdictions impact a large company, particularly in the context of employment law.

In her presentation, Ms. Payne emphasized that it is okay to switch paths in one's legal career. She suggested that students be willing to "embrace the uncomfortable," and encouraged them to "throw their names in the hat" for new positions, even if they do not yet offer 100% of the qualifications. Ms. Payne also reminded students that interviews are a two-way street and that, when looking a new position, students should consider whether their values align with the values of their future employers.

Washburn Law is grateful to Ms. Payne for taking time out of her busy schedule to provide students with insight on the in-house counsel role and advice on navigating their careers.