Andrew Heffler (Corporate Intellectual Property, 2016-2020), senior corporate counsel at Collectors, practiced in the firm’s Corporate Department. Andrew received his B.B.A. from Temple University and his J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

1. What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your role as a senior corporate counsel at Collectors?

I love being in the room as business decisions are being made and creatively problem solving, instead of simply executing on an already-made business decision. Being in those rooms comes with a set of challenges, though, particularly when you are put on the spot to advise on a question you've never been faced with before.

2. What attracted you to join Collectors' legal team, and how did your background prepare you for the unique legal challenges of working at a large consumer services company?

At Collectors, our mission is to make collecting safe, easy and fun for people who collect all types of collectibles: sports cards, Pokémon cards, coins, Funko Pops — you name it. I collected sports cards as a kid, and I was sold on the idea of working for a company in that industry that had a start-up energy. In my day-to-day, I work on commercial, financing, intellectual property and even litigation matters. I didn't know it at the time, but the ability to "touch all the bases" at Paul, Weiss as a corporate generalist set me up for success in my role.

3. What traits would you say make a good in-house counsel?

Law firm training gives you the building blocks to tackle obscure legal questions. But to me, the best in-house counsel have a particular set of soft skills that help them succeed, all of which can be honed over time. I'd say the most important of those skills are adaptability, comfort in discomfort and an ability to build relationships with a wide array of individuals.