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As assistant general counsel for privacy and innovation at Doximity, Chloe Ghoogassian leads privacy and innovation functions and is responsible for developing in the company’s privacy program. The lawyer also teaches a patient privacy law course as an adjunct professor for the USC Gould School of Law, a course that she created herself. Ghoogassian believes that the best way to ensure patient privacy is to educate others to do the same.
Ghoogassian talks the misconceptions of lawyers being reactionary, the collaboration required to be a true business partner, and the value of a little Taylor Swift. Learn how Ghoogassian is challenging long-held gender stereotypes and the lawyer’s hope that she’s always wearing her “white hat.”
Who was your first fictional legal inspiration and why?
One of my favorite TV shows in law school was Scandal. The lead character, Olivia Pope, was a significant inspiration for me due to her intelligence, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of justice. Her “white hat” theory, symbolizing the fight for truth and justice despite adversity, deeply resonated with me and has been my guiding light throughout my career. This theory emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and standing up for what’s right, even in challenging circumstances. It has inspired me to tackle difficult situations head-on, to always prioritize justice and fairness, and to constantly strive to wear the “white hat” in my professional endeavors.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions about being an attorney or the legal function itself?
One of the biggest misconceptions about being an attorney, particularly in the corporate and tech sectors, is that our work is solely reactionary, and we only come into play when problems arise. In reality, legal professionals, especially in-house counsel, contribute proactively to business strategy, innovation, and risk management. We work collaboratively with various teams to ensure business decisions are compliant with laws and regulations, and our input can often facilitate smoother transitions and prevent potential issues. We are not just problem solvers, but strategic partners at the heart of the organization. I always encourage my internal business partners to loop me into projects early on so that we can work together and develop products not just with risk mitigation in mind, but with strategic choices that ensures success for the company.
What is the most meaningful case or pro bono experience you’ve worked on?
One of the most rewarding parts of being an attorney is being part of a tradition of information sharing, generational knowledge, and mentorship. I am a professor in health privacy at USC’s Gould School of Law where I developed a first-of-its-kind course in patient privacy law. What better way to ensure patient privacy than to educate others to do the same? It is a great privilege for me to be a part of this by educating the next generation of ambitious legal professionals. Over the past few years, I have found that I also learn from my students who challenge me with unique questions. I hope to continue this path of teaching for many years to come.
What song or album motivates you the most?
As a female attorney in the tech industry, the song that serves as a significant motivator for me is “The Man” by Taylor Swift. This song is a powerful anthem that challenges societal stereotypes and underscores the importance of gender equality. In my career, I have often found myself fighting an uphill battle to prove my competence and expertise because I am a young female in a male-dominated industry. It has taken work for me to build my confidence and believe that I deserve a seat at the table. “The Man” gives women permission to keep challenging sexist double standards. It inspires me to continue pushing boundaries, advocating for more inclusive spaces, and using my unique perspective to drive change within the tech industry.
Find Chloe Ghoogassian on LinkedIn.
