Challenge: Several years after the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, corporate legal teams were grappling with the complexities of implementing its stringent requirements for records retention and preservation holds. Bechtel, a global leader in engineering and construction, needed to equip its attorneys and paralegals with practical tools and strategies to ensure compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.

Solution: Partnering with Bechtel’s corporate legal team, I co-developed a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the nuances of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The program focused on key topics, including:

• Records retention best practices aligned with legal and regulatory standards.

• Implementing effective preservation holds to safeguard critical documents.

• Bridging the gap between legal theory and practical application in a corporate setting.

• To ensure the training was impactful, Doug led a series of interactive workshops in San Francisco and Frederick, Maryland. These sessions blended expert-led instruction, case studies, and hands-on exercises to deepen participants' understanding and build their confidence in applying these principles.

Outcome: The workshops empowered Bechtel’s legal team with a clear understanding of the Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, fostering a culture of compliance and accountability. Key results included:

• Streamlined processes for managing corporate records and preservation holds.

• Increased alignment between legal, IT, and operational teams.

• A proactive approach to mitigating legal risks and regulatory violations.

Impact: This initiative not only reinforced Bechtel’s commitment to ethical business practices but also contributed to the broader goal of embedding compliance into its organizational DNA. It demonstrated how strategic training can transform regulatory challenges into opportunities for operational excellence.

This project reflects Doug's focus on actionable strategies, clear communication, and empowering teams to navigate complex landscapes with confidence.