Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
Technology, Information and Media
Retail
Professional Services
Manufacturing
Wholesale
Hospitals and Health Care
Financial Services
Entertainment Providers
Consumer Services
Active

Cassie Berndtsson

Dynamic Senior International Lawyer with over a decade of experience in global corporate environments. Proven track record in navigating complex legal landscapes across the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union. Expertise in emerging technologies, particularly in electromobility and battery technology. Adept at developing innovative IP strategies, negotiating high-stakes international agreements, and managing cross-functional teams. Combines strong business acumen with legal expertise to drive strategic initiatives. Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to new industries and technologies, fostering relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. Thrives in fast-paced, evolving legal environments, consistently delivering creative solutions to complex challenges.

About Me

Dynamic Senior International Lawyer with over a decade of experience in global corporate environments. Proven track record in navigating complex legal landscapes across the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union. Expertise in emerging technologies, particularly in electromobility and battery technology. Adept at developing innovative IP strategies, negotiating high - stakes international agreements, and managing cross - functional teams. Combines strong business acumen with legal expertise to drive strategic initiatives. Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to new industries and technologies, fostering relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. Thrives in fast - paced, evolving legal environments, consistently delivering creative solutions to complex challenges.

Jurisdiction

Sweden | United States | Norway | Finland | France | Germany | United Kingdom | Poland

Experience

Seniority LevelExecutive
Years of Experience15-20 years
Current StatusActive
Senior International LawyerVolta Commercial Vehicle,
2023 - 2025

Advised global teams on legal risk and compliance for purchasing, sales, data management, licensing, SaaS, intellectual property, and other commercial agreements. Developed intellectual property strategies to strengthen competitive advantage. Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated legal agreements, standardized guidelines to streamline procurement and sales agreements. Provided legal guidance on employment issues, charging infrastructure projects, including financing and warranty recovery. Managed legal aspects during corporate restructuring. • Successfully drafted a certified service partner agreement template, setting a new standard for service partnerships. • Created templates, policies, and guidelines for procurement and sales teams, enhancing operational efficiency. • Tested and evaluated AI powered tools for optimizing contract lifecycle management, providing valuable insights and recommendations to improve efficiency and streamline processes, despite the solution not being implemented. • Advised on supplier expectations and facilitated re - engagement strategies post - bankruptcy.

Legal CounselVolvo Group,
2019 - 2023

Managed legal processes for procurement, developed contract templates, guidelines, and terms and conditions which aligned with corporate goals. Negotiated strategic alliances, joint ventures, and Direct Buy Agreement, balancing risk and opportunity for global business. Provided legal counsel on supply chain risk, IP rights, and compliance, contributing to electromobility IP strategy. Coordinated with global legal teams to align business strategy and conducted training sessions to enhance understanding of legal risks and compliance. • Shaped Volvo Group's electrification strategy, securing first battery cell supply strategic alliance. • Established contract framework with Volvo - Daimler Joint Venture, strengthening the company's fuel cell technology position. • Developed an IP rights strategy for electromobility, positioning Volvo Group as a leader in this field. • Provided crucial legal advice on partnerships, M&As, and joint ventures, driving strategic business initiatives. • Leveraged legal expertise to navigate complex negotiations, supporting Volvo Group's legal counsel.

Sales AssociatePatagonia,
2017 - 2018

Improved customer engagement and sales through personalized service and product expertise. Led merchandising efforts to optimize product placement and visual appeal. Supported environmental activism by evaluating community grant applications. Streamlined store operations, ensuring a welcoming shopping experience. Trained new and seasonal staff on product knowledge, customer service, and brand values. • Trained over 15 new employees, equipping them with the skills necessary to maintain high customer service standards. • Reviewed and approved environmental grant applications, awarding up to USD 15,000 to impactful community initiatives.

AttorneyFoley & Mansfield,
2016 - 2017

Defended manufacturers, suppliers, and installers in high - risk product liability and toxic tort cases, managing complex litigation strategies from assessment to resolution. Negotiated effectively to advance client interests, ensuring detailed case management and timely reporting. Maintained accurate invoicing and budget oversight throughout the litigation process. • Managed multiple complex litigation strategies, advancing client interests and ensuring favorable outcomes. • Streamlined litigation management processes, enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction with reporting updates. • Optimized dispute resolution techniques, resulting in effective settlements and client retention.

AttorneyBowman and Brooke, LLP,
2014 - 2016

Specialized in product liability, mass tort, and complex commercial litigation, with a focus on asbestos cases. Led discovery, depositions, and pre - trial preparations, managing off - road and recreational vehicle fire cases through expert coordination and evidence review. Streamlined settlement negotiations, resolving disputes and mitigating risks, and developed defense strategies for cases involving institutional cleaning products and automotive litigation. • Managed off - road and recreational vehicle portfolio, successfully negotiated settlements to the satisfaction of all parties. • Handled complex asbestos portfolio, guiding cases through all litigation stages to pre - trial readiness. • Coordinated with a network of experts to reinforce case positions and achieve favorable outcomes.

Associate General CounselOptum®, a UnitedHealth Group Company,
2013 - 2014

Advised business units on legal matters, aligning with strategic objectives and assessing risks. Provided legal opinions to guide decisions and negotiated contracts, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations and emerging technologies. Managed corporate governance for professional corporations and offered regulatory guidance for healthcare initiatives, including telemedicine. Mitigated legal risks in marketing materials, ensuring adherence to regulations. • Successfully managed and settled malpractice claims, safeguarding the company's interests and reputation. • Handled an international trademark infringement case for a digital application, protecting intellectual property rights. • Streamlined the legal review process for marketing initiatives, resulting in consistent regulatory compliance. • Played a pivotal role in the formation of professional corporations, ensuring all legal and governance documentation met industry standards. • Contributed to the development of health plan incentive programs, aligning legal strategies with business goals.

AttorneyLarson King LLP.,
2008 - 2013

Managed and led litigation for high - stakes cases across a wide range of sectors, including product liability, insurance coverage, reinsurance, complex business disputes, employment law, and financial services, demonstrating expert legal strategy and client - focused solutions at every stage of the litigation process. • Led legal research and writing efforts, drafted motions and legal memoranda, and deposed parties in complex litigation. Argued motions and prepared expert witnesses for complex insurance coverage arbitrations and product liability matters. • Managed document discovery and gained extensive experience handling FINA arbitrations. • Conducted interviews and mentored summer clerks and newly hired attorneys, ensuring seamless integration and fostering professional growth within the team.

Education

Doctorate of LawUniversity of Minnesota
2006 - 2008
Degree of Sociology and Afro-American StudiesUniversity of Wisconsin - Madison
2000 - 2005

Skills

Core skills1
Languages2

Skills

Corporate Services, Big Data, Battery Technology, Learning Strategies, Negotiation, Contract Negotiation, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Business Acumen, Innovation Leadership, Purchasing

Languages

English
Swedish

Services