William E. Culton Jr., general counsel for Corvias Group, was named a 2015 In-House Leader in Law for ‘innovative and practical business skills’ by Mass Lawyers Weekly, Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly and New England In-House. Culton has served as general counsel with Corvias since 2001 and he has more than 20 years of experience in real estate development, construction and property management. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island and a J.D. from Western New England University School of Law.
What made you decide to practice law?
After graduating from URI, I spent a year in the management-trainee program at Citizens Bank. I decided to pursue an advanced degree to elevate career potential, but I wasn’t sure whether to pursue an MBA or a law degree. I chose law school after a conversation with my grandfather. I told him that business law was my favorite college class and I wanted to be in the business world, but I didn’t want to be a litigator. My grandfather thought I would make a good in-house counsel. It was the best career advice I ever received, and I try to prove him right every day.
Could you tell me more about the public-private partnerships that Corvias is involved in?
We have been fortunate to work with colleges, military and public-sector agencies across the nation to develop solutions for deficiencies in infrastructure and facilities due to chronic underinvestment.
Do you have any advice for other professionals serving as in-house counsel?
Always remember that your primary job is to help your co-workers be successful. In-house lawyers should always know their companies’ business inside and out and understand that they are far better off giving the legal advice and counsel that allows others to make better business decisions, rather than focusing so keenly on a legal issue or risk that one loses sight of the fact that at the end of the day, all decisions are business decisions. •
