Betsy C. Thelen

Betsy Thelen first earned her reputation as a go to Corporate & Securities lawyer at the law firm Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP.

Recently, moving to the corporate side, she is now working as General Counsel at Gerchen Keller Capital, LLC which is a testament to her legal skills.

The 38-year-old Harvard Law School graduate started her career at Mayer Brown and then rose to partner in the Corporate & Securities practice group at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP. At Neal Gerber & Eisenberg she represented a variety of clients, from entrepreneurs and family investment offices to middle market privately-held business and large public companies.

Her peers and former clients were quick to praise Thelen’s abilities.

For example, Erica R. Alva, of Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C., formerly worked with Thelen. “Betsy has distinquished herself as a reliable advisor and has been able to build lasting relationships with her clients, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc.,” Alva said. “I had the opportunity to work with Betsy on several projects for BCBSF, during which I was able to witness the dynamic relationship she had fostered with BCBSF’s general counsel.”

Alva called Thelen an exceptional communicator.

“She is able to make herself heard and successfully advocate for her clients while still maintaining a congenial, productive relationship with opposing counsel,” Alva said. “Betsy is also a creative problem solver who thinks outside the box to achieve exemplary results for her clients.”  Thelen’s client echoed Alva’s thoughts.  

Arezou Jolly, corporate counsel at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, said Thelen has been able to navigate complicated business transactions and matters with ease.

“Betsy’s measured yet always friendly demeanor was and is as much of an invaluable attribute as her legal expertise,” Jolly said. “I have always had absolute confidence that Betsy can communicate complex legal processes and issues to very busy executives in a clear, understandable and repeatable manner – a priceless skill.”

Matt Karlyn, of Cooley LLP, worked with Thelen at Neal Gerber, and recalls that she was an extremely bright, enthusiastic and capable attorney. He said she has always been a trusted advisor to both clients and younger attorneys.

“I continuously witnessed firsthand Betsy’s mentorship of young associates. Her office was a frequent visiting spot for associates wanting feedback on their work, to chat about process and seek Betsy’s advice,” Karlyn, said. “Betsy is a great listener and enthusiastic participant in the mentoring process.”

Andrea Dudding, of AbbVie, Inc., said during her time at Thelen’s former law firm, she was always impressed with how clients responded to Thelen.

“During my time at NGE, I participated in numerous client calls with Betsy where she explored issues, patiently explained options, and made thoughtful recommendations so her clients could make well-informed decisions that would work for them,” Dudding said. “It was obvious that her clients appreciated Betsy’s abilities.”

Emily Milman, corporate counsel for Euromarket Designs, Inc. d/b/a Crate and Barrel and CB2, became friends and trusted allies when both worked for NGE.

“Clients trusted Betsy to deliver sound advice, but I believe that they choose Betsy because of the way she delivers that advice – with calm confidence and a willingness to take ‘baby steps’ through the issues presented, if necessary,” Milman said.