Rewriting the Rules: A Chat with Amy Natasha Osteen, CEO & Co-Founder of Unified Law Group

Introduction
Welcome to Suite Talk, where we sit down with inspiring leaders to talk about innovation, impact, and all the things that keep business moving forward. To kick things off, we’re flipping the script and interviewing our own CEO, Amy Natasha Osteen. She’s a corporate lawyer, a patent attorney, a General Counsel, a litigator, a problem-solver, and a self-described “Multi-Pod” with a knack for rethinking the way legal services work. Let’s dive in!

Q: Why leave traditional legal roles to start Unified Law?
Amy: Because I saw a better way. Traditional models often miss what businesses actually need—practical, fast, business-minded solutions. But it wasn’t just about fixing the client-side disconnect; it was about giving lifer in-house counsel more options. If you’re in transition, looking for flexibility, or wanting to work remotely, the choices aren’t great: find a company willing to let you work virtually, join a traditional law firm where survival depends on relentless business development, or hang out your own shingle and go it alone. All of these can be a major adjustment for someone used to the in-house world. Unified Law bridges that gap, offering a home for in-house-minded lawyers who want meaningful work, flexibility, and the support of a like-minded team.

Q: Unified Law’s tagline is “Where Business, Law, and Impact Unite.” What does that mean to you?
Amy: It’s the heart of what we do. As in-house lawyers by mindset, we focus on outsourced in-house work that’s practical and business-savvy. For us, law, business, and impact aren’t competing priorities—they’re a team. Through our Unified for U.N. program, every client engagement fuels sustainability projects. So, when you partner with us, you’re not just solving legal challenges—you’re growing your business and doing good along the way.

Q: What are the key differences between Unified Law and a traditional law firm?
Amy: We’re not a law firm—we’re an outsourced in-house team with a twist. Our lawyers think like GCs, backed by CPAs, auditors, paralegals, and even designers. We focus on U.S. commercial law, split work by expertise (not whose client it is), and keep costs down with our onshore-offshore model.

We write in plain, SEC—approved language and use legal design to make everything clear, actionable, and user-friendly. As a steward-owned company, our values drive our operations, including reserving funds to subsidize nonprofit work. And with Unified Global in our corner, even the trickiest tax and accounting issues are covered.

Q: How does Unified Law’s client approach differ from traditional law?
Amy: Imagine you ask me to plan your dream backyard and say you love football. Since we’re headquartered in Dallas, I assume you’re a Cowboys fan and go all out: blue and silver everywhere, a star-shaped firepit, and even a grill with the Cowboys logo. It’s perfect—until I find out you’re an Eagles fan with a dog named Kelce and a kid named Jalen. Now your backyard feels like enemy territory.

At Unified, we don’t jump to conclusions. We dig in, ask questions, and maybe bug you a little. We want to understand your goals, strategy, competitors, board dynamics, pain points, runway, budgets, and optimal next steps. That way, the solutions we deliver don’t just look good—they actually work for your business and where you’re headed.

Q: We liked the old website, but the relaunched site is great, too. What’s the story there?
Amy: The old site did the job, but it didn’t tell the full story. This one reflects who we are today: business-savvy, in-house-minded professionals who focus on what clients actually need. It highlights our specialties—Fractional General Counsel, M&A, Growth Capital Readiness, and Investigations—and shows how we work seamlessly with Unified Global on complex tax and accounting. It’s also a platform for our voice, with blogs and resources designed to help businesses thrive. The best part? It’s all about making it easier for our clients to connect with us and see the value we bring.

Q: Why do you think the in-house mindset is so important in today’s business environment?
Amy: Because businesses need more than legal advice—they need solutions. The in-house mindset is about understanding the big picture: how legal, financial, and operational decisions all connect. It’s also about being agile. The days of saying, “That’s not my job” are over. Today, legal professionals need to step up, take ownership, and solve problems—even if they fall outside traditional legal boundaries.

Q: What kind of attorneys thrive at Unified Law?
Amy: Attorneys who think like businesspeople, not just lawyers. If you’re practical, solutions-oriented, and not afraid to dive into the unknown, you’ll fit right in. We’re also perfect for in-house-minded lawyers who want flexibility, meaningful work, and the ability to make an impact without the grind of traditional law firms.

Q: Let’s talk about your team. How does the onshore-offshore model work?
Amy: U.S.-based attorneys set the strategy and lead, while our talented offshore team keeps things moving around the clock. It’s seamless, cost-effective, and gives clients the high-quality support they need without the sticker shock of traditional firms. It’s a win-win.

Q: What advice would you give to CEOs or General Counsels considering a partnership with Unified Law?
Amy: Think of us as your strategic partner, not just your legal resource. We’re here to help you navigate tough decisions, streamline your operations, and set you up for success. And because of our onshore-offshore model, you’re getting top-tier support without the big price tag. If you need someone who thinks like you, acts like you, and helps drive your business forward, we’re the team for you.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out as in-house counsel?
Amy: Three things: learn the business, build relationships, and don’t stay in the shadows. As in-house counsel, you’re not just a lawyer—you’re a firefighter, strategist, and decision-maker. Emergencies happen, and people will look to you for answers, not just advice. The best legal decisions come from understanding the company inside and out. So, roll up your sleeves, get to know the players, and don’t be afraid to step up—even when you don’t have all the answers yet.

Q: You’ve described yourself as a “Multi-Pod.” What does that mean, and how does it influence your work?
Amy: Being a Multi-Pod means I don’t stick to one lane—I thrive on exploring different passions and connecting the dots between them. Whether it’s law, strategy, acquisitions, or entrepreneurship, I dive into what excites me and use those insights to solve problems creatively. At Unified Law, this mindset fuels innovation. We’re not just lawyers; we’re problem-solvers, strategists, and collaborators who approach challenges from every angle. It’s about being flexible, nimble, and always ready to adapt. The world’s too big and interesting to do just one thing!

Q: You’ve mentioned a commitment to plain language. Why is that so important?
Amy: Because nobody has time to decode legalese. Our clients need answers, not paragraphs of caveats. Good in-house lawyers don’t just flag risks—they solve problems and help businesses move forward. At Unified Law, we cut through the noise to deliver advice that’s clear, concise, and actionable.

Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of leading Unified Law?
Amy: Seeing our impact. Whether we’re helping a client close a big deal or funding sustainability projects through Unified for U.N., we’re proving that business can be a force for good. And, honestly, creating a work culture that our team loves is its own reward.

Q: So, what’s next for Unified Law?
Amy: We’re doubling down on growing our team with like-minded, former in-house attorneys who are ready to make a move but don’t want to go back to the traditional law firm grind. Our fractional in-house model is perfect for lawyers who think like businesspeople—practical, entrepreneurial, and solution-oriented. It’s an exciting time for Unified Law, and we can’t wait to bring more trailblazers on board.

Q: Speaking of trailblazers, what kind of attorneys thrive at Unified Law?
Amy: We attract lawyers who think like entrepreneurs—they see a problem and say, “Let’s fix this,” not, “That’s not my job.” Our team is a mix of in-house-minded professionals who want the flexibility to work on meaningful projects without the grind of a traditional firm, and no one – and I mean no one – works on an island. You'll fit right in if you’re practical, solutions-oriented, and love collaborating with smart people. Bonus points if you can juggle a deal and a soccer practice on the same day.

Closing
Unified Law is reimagining legal support—one solution, one impact, one client at a time. Stay tuned for more Suite Talk interviews as we highlight the leaders who inspire us and the big ideas that drive us forward.