A Career of Trusted Counsel
After more than a decade of serving IPC and a 45-year legal career, Paul is stepping into retirement. But as anyone who has worked alongside him knows, he is not simply leaving a job. He is closing a chapter defined by trust, strategy, friendship, and purpose.
We sat down with Paul to reflect on his time at IPC, the moments that shaped his career, and what comes next.
When you look back at your career, what kind of lawyer did you want to be?
When I went to law school in 1978, I was not entirely sure what I wanted to do. It was the middle of a recession, and I did not have a better idea. Over time, I learned there are three basic kinds of lawyers. Fierce advocates. Legal scholars. And trusted advisors.
As soon as I figured that out, I knew I wanted to be a trusted advisor. I wanted clients to rely on me for sound judgment and honest counsel. It has been a great pleasure, as well as a privilege, to finish my career as a trusted advisor to an organization engaged in a noble cause among friends.
What made your time at IPC especially meaningful?
There is a real noble cause here. Supporting independent pharmacy is good for patients and good for communities. I have experienced that personally. Independent pharmacy provides better healthcare for families.
In corporate strategy, a noble cause gives people an outside focus. It helps align everyone around something bigger than internal debates. At IPC, that cause is real. And I have been able to do this work among my friends. Friends are people who know something about each other, care about that, and support each other through good times and bad times. That has been my experience here.
What milestones stand out most during your time with IPC?
Early on, while I was still outside counsel, we had a significant dispute with McKesson over our supply agreement. A partner at my firm filed suit for breach of contract. It is usually not a good idea to sue your business partner, but in this case, it worked. The contract was revised, and it strengthened IPC’s position.
Another defining moment came when the board was navigating some serious internal divisions. Advising the board through that period led to them inviting me to attend board meetings regularly beginning in 2011. I have attended it ever since. That really defined my long-term relationship with IPC.
Later, joining IPC directly was another big step. In thinking about my law practice and what I might do for the last few years, I got some good advice, “call your best and favorite client and ask them to hire you.” So, I did. It worked out well for everyone.
How did your role evolve over the years?
I realized I am better as an indirect leader. I am comfortable analyzing problems, making decisions, and pushing for the right answer. I am less effective as a direct supervisor.
Early on, there was an idea that I should have people reporting to me. Over time, we determined that my best use was as a confidant and advisor rather than managing a department. I had the freedom to focus on what I do best. That clarity shaped my experience here.
What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
I have been admitted to a Master’s Degree program at the University of Wisconsin Madison through the Nelson Institute. I am planning to study the interaction between geography and environmental resources by mapping biodigesters, which can reduce environmental harm and provide clean energy, across Wisconsin and understanding the practical and policy barriers to their success.
After 45 years in law, I want to exercise different parts of my brain. I am also looking forward to spending more time with my three granddaughters, traveling with my wife Anne, and reconnecting with friends across the country. We have a National Geographic cruise planned from Iceland to Greenland to Newfoundland this summer that will include fjords, glaciers, Viking settlements, and even a total eclipse. That kind of trip will be something new for us.
How has the transition to Josh been?
Josh is really smart and friendly and brings strong experience from both law firms and large organizations. There have already been moments in conversation where he has raised points that I thought were excellent.
A couple of times I found myself thinking, “I wish I had thought of that.” Then I realized, “I don’t have to – that’s Josh’ job now.” It is freeing. I think he will be a great fit and bring a valuable perspective to IPC.
Any final reflections?
It has truly been a privilege to finish my career here. Serving as a trusted advisor to IPC, supporting independent pharmacy, and doing that work among friends has meant a great deal to me.
