Helen Avunjian Kassan – Lineage Logistics

Helen Avunjian Kassan, assistant general counsel for labor, employment, and litigation – North Americas at Lineage, brings a wealth of experience to her role. Since joining Lineage in July 2022, Helen has spearheaded transformative initiatives within her department, navigating the challenges of a recent departmental overhaul with resilience and determination.

Lineage is a worldwide leader in cold storage and logistics.  Structured as an industrial real estate investment trust, Lineage is headquartered in Novi, Michigan.

Leading a small but mighty team, Kassan embarked on a mission to revamp the department’s HR and legal policies and operations, transitioning the legal team from a reactive force to a proactive one. With a strong focus on compliance and preemptive measures, Kassan and her team delved into various aspects of employment regulations across Lineage’s operations in over 40 states, ensuring alignment with state-specific laws and regulations.

“The changes we made to our policies and operations have been well-received and have made us a more modern and efficient operation,” Helen tells Vanguard during an interview in April.

More recently, Kassan was also a part of the herculean team effort to take Lineage public this year.  On June 26, 2024, Lineage publicly filed a registration statement on Form S-11 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to sell shares of its common stock in an underwritten initial public offering. And on July 25, Lineage officially went public.

Most of her involvement was in diligence efforts with auditors, assisting with planning communications materials, and helping support the rollout of Lineage’s broad-based equity plan. Following the IPO, Lineage also announced a $100 million investment in its workforce, where eligible US employees were to receive a one-time award of stock or restricted stock units.

“I feel lucky to have been a part of something companies only get to experience once. And watching the company invest in and thank the many employees who brought them to this moment makes the experience especially fulfilling,” Kassan says.

Driving change

One of Kassan’s key projects has been the comprehensive review and update of Lineage’s employment policies. Recognizing the importance of aligning company policies with evolving legal standards, Kassan led her team in thoroughly examining existing policies and procedures. This involved addressing recent changes in employment laws, such as updates to the company’s drug and alcohol testing. Kassan has played a crucial role in mitigating legal risks and promoting a safe and supportive work environment for employees by ensuring that Lineage’s policies remain current and compliant.

In addition to policy updates, Kassan has focused on implementing proactive measures to minimize legal exposure and prevent potential disputes. This includes developing training programs for employees and managers to raise awareness of hot-button legal issues and best practices. By providing education and guidance on topics such as harassment prevention, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance, Kassan has empowered Lineage’s workforce to navigate complex legal challenges effectively.

Another significant aspect of Kassan’s role has been managing litigation and dispute resolution processes. Drawing on her extensive experience in labor and employment law, Kassan has handled various legal matters, ranging from individual employment disputes to complex lawsuits. By leveraging her litigation expertise, Kassan has successfully defended Lineage against legal claims while striving to achieve fair and equitable outcomes for all parties involved.

Looking ahead, Kassan is focused on driving continuous improvement within Lineage’s legal department, identifying areas for optimization and innovation.

“I remain committed to fostering a culture of compliance and accountability, where legal and ethical standards are upheld at every level of the organization,” she says.

Thriving in a dynamic environment

Kassan relies heavily on word-of-mouth referrals from friends, colleagues and industry contacts to ensure Lineage hires and retains the best talent. This approach helps find individuals with impressive professional credentials and prioritizes diversity and consideration, essential qualities for a thriving legal team.

Despite the demanding nature of her role, Kassan finds challenge and excitement in the dynamic environment of her work. The constant influx of requests and inquiries keeps her on her toes, making every day unpredictable yet thrilling.

For Kassan and her team, the mantra is never a dull moment, reflecting their shared enthusiasm for the fast-paced nature of their work. However, along with the excitement comes the challenge of managing the relentless flow of tasks and responsibilities, particularly in handling the barrage of emails that flood her Outlook inbox daily.

“While the constant buzz of activity can be overwhelming, it’s also what makes my role so exciting. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities, keeping me engaged and eager to tackle whatever comes my way,” Kassan says.

One of the biggest hurdles Kassan has faced throughout her career is grappling with imposter syndrome. Despite her numerous accomplishments and successes, she has occasionally struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, a common challenge among high-achieving professionals.

“Overcoming this internal struggle has been an ongoing journey, one I continue navigating with determination and resilience,” she says.

The professional journey

Kassan’s interest in the law was sparked by her passion for distilling complex historical narratives into understandable terms—an ability she honed during her undergraduate years as a history major at UCLA. Finding joy in simplifying intricate concepts, Kassan recognized the parallels between history and the legal profession, where clear and simple communication is essential.

After earning her JD from the University of California, Los Angeles—School of Law, Kassan embarked on a successful career path, beginning as an associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP for nearly eight years. During her tenure there, Kassan discovered her affinity for advising and counseling clients, blending her litigation skills with the swift and measured decision-making required in the business world.

In July 2022, Kassan transitioned to Lineage, where she now serves as assistant general counsel of labor, employment, and litigation – North America. Her journey from litigator to in-house counsel reflects her desire to leverage her legal expertise to support business objectives and provide stakeholder recommendations.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kassan finds fulfillment as a wife and mother to three daughters in Los Angeles. Married to a real estate tax lawyer, Kassan’s family life provides her with balance and perspective, enriching her personal and professional endeavors.

“As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded that clarity in communication is fundamental in every aspect of life. It’s this passion for simplifying complexities that drives me forward, both personally and professionally,” Kassan says.