Allen W. Nelson
Atlanta
Summary
Dynamic leader with proven success in managing legal functions across diverse environments. Experienced in engaging with stakeholders at all levels, from boardroom executives to entry-level staff. Recognized for leadership in the arts, serving 15 years on the Atlanta Ballet fiduciary board, including 9 years as chair, and 4 years on the Woodruff Arts Center board. Honored as Outstanding Nonprofit Board Leader by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits in 2013 and acknowledged as a Point of Light by President George H.W. Bush.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Chair, Fractional General Counsel Practice
Clark Hill PLC
Atlanta
07.2024 - Current
- Support executive leadership teams, boards, and investors in addressing strategic and operational matters.
- Guide clients in shaping growth strategies and developing future leadership.
- Advise on diverse legal and business issues to ensure compliance and risk management.
- Manage legal function, including oversight of outside counsel, to influence strategic decision
Founder, TE General Counsel
Taylor English Duma
Atlanta
10.2019 - 07.2024
- Founded outside General Counsel practice leveraging 20+ years in-house counsel experience, including 12 years as GC.
- Led group of 18 former GCs to establish and grow the practice.
- Collaborated with start-up entity business leaders lacking prior leadership experience to guide business development.
General Counsel
8 Rivers LLC
Durham
03.2019 - 08.2019
- Developed strategies for early-stage clean energy company to support business objectives.
- Advised Founders and business leaders on diverse legal and business issues to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Drafted and negotiated complex contracts with strategic partners.
Partner
Taylor English Duma
Atlanta
09.2017 - 03.2019
- Advised corporate clients on legal issues to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
EVP: General Counsel, CAO, and Corp. Secretary
Crawford & Company (NYSE: CRD.A and CRD.B)
Atlanta
09.2005 - 09.2016
- Led global legal function for public company in 70 countries, ensuring compliance and risk management aligned with corporate objectives.
- Collaborated with CEO, CFO, Board, and majority investor to define and implement strategic direction, enhancing organizational alignment and decision-making.
- Advised executive team on legal strategies and compliance matters.
Senior Compliance Counsel
BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS)
Atlanta
09.1997 - 09.2005
- Led global legal compliance function for Fortune 50 company, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
- Managed legal issues across traditional labor, HR matters, litigation, risk management, and intellectual property, mitigating risks and supporting organizational objectives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address legal risks and issues.
Education
J.D. - Law
Duke University
Durham, NC05-1989
Bachelor of Arts - History (with Honors) / Religion (cum Laude)
Duke University
Durham, NC05-1986
Skills
- Extensive success over a wide variety of legal and business functions, as well as extensive experience in the arts
- Helping drive success with Executive teams, Boards, Boards, senior leaders and other stakeholders over a wide range of legal and business areas
- Excellent understanding of leadership (not merely management) as well as the support function of a GC
- A quick study with a high degree of collaborative spirit
- Legal substantive expertise ranges from general corporate matters, compliance, labor and employment, litigation, intellectual property, and fiduciary responsibilities of Boards
Affiliations
- Senior Lecturing Fellow, Duke University Law School (2016-Present), teaching upper level course on in-house legal practice.
Served for five years on the global Board of Duke Alumni (final two years as VP).
Timeline
Chair, Fractional General Counsel Practice
Clark Hill PLC
07.2024 - Current
Founder, TE General Counsel
Taylor English Duma
10.2019 - 07.2024
General Counsel
8 Rivers LLC
03.2019 - 08.2019
Partner
Taylor English Duma
09.2017 - 03.2019
EVP: General Counsel, CAO, and Corp. Secretary
Crawford & Company (NYSE: CRD.A and CRD.B)
09.2005 - 09.2016
Senior Compliance Counsel
BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS)
09.1997 - 09.2005
J.D. - Law
Duke University
Bachelor of Arts - History (with Honors) / Religion (cum Laude)
Duke University