Alumni Spotlight: Julie Martinelli

Julie Martinelli, general counsel, Sagewind Capital LLC, practiced in the firm’s Corporate Department in the Mergers and Acquisitions group from 2005 to 2022.

Tell us about your professional experience. What motivated you to transition from Big Law to an in-house position?

I spent 17+ years at Paul, Weiss, primarily focused on M&A work. I was always drawn to the idea of moving in-house because I wanted to be closer to the business drivers and follow a deal beyond just the transaction – from the initial stages of acquisition through to the exit. I wanted the opportunity to get to know the management team, understand the company’s growth strategy and be involved in the lifecycle of ownership – something that isn’t as accessible from the perspective of outside counsel.  

Sagewind was one of my clients at Paul, Weiss, and I appreciated their practical approach to deals, their focus on value drivers and the collaborative working relationship we developed. When they offered me a position, it felt like a natural fit. By that point in my career, I had the depth of experience to step into a senior role that was both interesting and challenging from day one.

What was the most significant lesson you learned during your 17+ years practicing at Paul, Weiss?

The most significant lesson I learned in my time at Paul, Weiss is what it takes to survive “Big Law” – the job is demanding, and it’s not sustainable unless you genuinely care about your clients, the outcome of your deals and your colleagues. If you can’t connect with those aspects, then it’s time to reassess your path; but if you do, you can build a fulfilling career.

A key part of my journey was also learning how to define the balance that worked for me – especially as it shifted throughout different stages of my life. For me, that meant balancing my career with having and raising my three children. “Leaning in” is admirable, but it’s tough to lean in when you are up all night with a feverish baby. There were periods in my career when I had to “lean out.” Paul, Weiss supported me with remote work and a flex-time schedule. That flexibility allowed me to stay fully engaged in high-pressure deals while still being there to see my kids off to school in the morning, welcome them home in the afternoon and enjoy bedtime.

When I started at Paul, Weiss, there were far fewer senior women than there are today and even fewer role models who struck a balance that I wanted to emulate. One partner once told me that she felt like a “crappy mom or a crappy lawyer” nearly every day, and that was part of the job. Those were alternatives I couldn’t accept. Thankfully, Paul, Weiss helped me create a structure that allowed me to thrive both as a professional and as a parent, without compromising client service.

How has your experience at Paul, Weiss prepared you for your role as General Counsel at Sagewind?

My time at Paul, Weiss taught me to think critically – how to spot issues, thoroughly analyze problems and devise practical solutions. Early in my career, I thought that after a certain number of deals or hours I would know all the answers. But I learned that you never hit that point. Instead, you develop the knowledge, experience and confidence to navigate unfamiliar situations and figure things out effectively.  

As general counsel at Sagewind, I’ve encountered many issues outside of my M&A focus, such as fund structure, regulatory requirements, litigation, employment law issues and firm management. The critical thinking, problem solving and adaptability I developed at the firm are essential tools I use every day in my role at Sagewind.

Can you describe your approach to managing legal risk in private equity transactions?

The easy part of a lawyer’s job is issue spotting. The real challenge, and where value is created, is in assessing the probability and potential impact of an issue. That requires a judgment and has to be weighed against the value of the broader transaction and deal dynamics. My role is to ensure that the team understands these inputs so that we can make an informed decision.  

What advice would you give to young lawyers aspiring to become general counsel?

My advice is to keep learning, especially outside of your practice area. As a young lawyer, it’s easy to focus on your immediate responsibilities – especially when you are working long hours on a deal. But take the time to understand the nuanced issues outside of your specialty; that makes the job more interesting, makes you a better lawyer and prepares you for a role as general counsel.

Who were some mentors who inspired you? How have they impacted your work and relationships today?

One thing I love about Paul, Weiss is that there isn’t a prototypical Paul, Weiss lawyer. Over the years, I learned from partners with a wide range of styles. Some were meticulous, always perfectly composed even during late-night negotiations, while others were casual. Some were forceful and loud, while others selectively spoke softly, making you lean in to listen. This diversity allowed me to observe, adapt and ultimately find my own voice and style that fit my personality.  

Ariel Deckelbaum (Corporate M&A, 1998-2023) was a constant presence throughout my career at Paul, Weiss. From day one, he entrusted me with responsibilities I didn’t always feel ready for – letting me walk the tightrope while holding the safety net when I needed it. His mentorship built my confidence, and he remains a close friend today. Angelo Bonvino taught me to think like a client – to understand how risk tolerance changes depending on the situation and to always follow the money. Carl Reisner (Corporate M&A Of Counsel, 1986–2023), aside from being a superb lawyer, was a constant reminder that humility, integrity and humanity are our lasting measures.

What do you find most challenging about your current role at Sagewind?

The most challenging aspect of my current role is the juggling act. As outside counsel, you’re more typically immersed in just a few active deals at a time, allowing for deep focus. In my role at Sagewind, I am often managing many active deals at any given time while also handling the ongoing legal needs of our portfolio companies and the firm. It has been a lesson in prioritization!

What keeps you busy outside of the office? What do you do for fun?

Most of my free time is spent with my husband and our three kids. I coach their basketball teams, which is a great way to spend time with them and get to know their friends. We also love spending time together outdoors – whether it’s biking and playing tennis, or swimming, sailing and paddle boarding at nearby lakes. When I get some time to myself, I enjoy trail running and playing tennis.