Jeff Mitchell – Proterra

Jeff Mitchell, the general counsel and head of HR at Proterra, plays a critical role in navigating the company through its transformative journey. Proterra, a leader in commercial vehicle electrification, is transitioning from a publicly traded entity with three distinct business lines to a subsidiary of Volvo Group, focused solely on battery design and manufacturing. This shift aims to enhance focus, industrialize battery production, and maintain a competitive edge in the highly dynamic EV market.

Jeff Mitchell | Proterra | General Counsel & Head of HR

As the company repositions itself, Mitchell plays an integral role by overseeing the Legal and HR functions that ensure seamless integration and future growth. He is tasked with addressing complex legal challenges and fostering a resilient organizational structure that supports Proterra’s strategic objectives.

“Our goal at Proterra is to lead the EV market with cutting-edge battery technology. I am fortunate to manage seasoned teams that navigate the myriad legal and HR challenges smoothly, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience that aligns with our mission,” Mitchell says.

Navigating legal complexities and driving growth

Before the Volvo Group acquired the battery business, Mitchell helped steer the legacy Proterra business through Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This difficult period was turned into a strategic opportunity by leveraging the bankruptcy laws to successfully sell three business units and enable new companies to emerge and preserve jobs. Volvo Group’s acquisition of the battery business line stabilized Proterra and positioned it for future success. Mitchell is focused on solidifying the company’s foundation post-bankruptcy and aligning its goals with Volvo Group’s strategic vision.

Mitchell has experience dealing with the peaks and valleys of a business. Both of his in-house roles have been with companies that have taken high-profile, rapid ascents, followed by declines where the company was sold well below its original value. This often-told Silicon Valley story is very challenging, especially for the employees, but there is an opportunity for in-house lawyers to gain the experience of navigating the myriad economic and legal aspects of a downturn, he says.

The lessons learned from seeing something fall apart are incredibly valuable for understanding how a company should be structured and operated in the future. Taking those lessons into the next company or version of the company (as with Volvo’s acquisition of the battery line) is a crucial part of the evolution of the job.

“There is a silver lining for lawyers when a company faces headwinds because we learn how better to protect employees, customers and investors in future roles,” he says. “There’s a parallel to why I believe a lawyer with a litigation background is well-suited for in-house work because it offers insight into various types of disputes and failures, which is the best way to learn how to protect against those risks in the future.”

Leading lean teams

In his dual role, Mitchell oversees a legal team of four attorneys, one paralegal and an HR team of 17 people. Organizational restructuring has been a key focus in aligning with the new business model. Transparent communication with employees about these changes has been crucial in gaining their buy-in and ensuring a smooth transition.

Mitchell emphasizes the importance of employee engagement and talent retention programs. Proterra’s HR team is dedicated to enhancing the onboarding experience, fostering employee engagement, and developing clear career paths. Mitchell believes employees must trust their leadership and see a clear strategic direction. Following the bankruptcy, clear communication of Proterra’s purpose and strategy has been essential in maintaining employee morale and loyalty.

A dynamic and forward-thinking approach characterizes leadership at Proterra under Mitchell’s guidance. He appreciates the start-up-like environment where new programs can be designed from scratch, backed by the financial security of being a subsidiary of Volvo Group. This environment allows for innovative strategies and a focus on long-term growth.

As Proterra continues to evolve, Mitchell’s leadership in legal and HR will be crucial in guiding the company toward its vision of revolutionizing a wide variety of commercial applications with cutting-edge battery technology. His strategic oversight ensures that Proterra navigates current challenges and positions itself for sustained success and growth in the future.

Rising in big law

Mitchell’s interest in law was sparked by a friend’s parent who recognized his talent for debate, a skill that seemed to come naturally to him. Growing up in a family of lawyers further solidified his career path. Mitchell pursued a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Santa Clara University, graduating magna cum laude, before earning his Juris Doctorate from the University of Oregon School of Law.

After law school, Mitchell started at Gray Cary, which later merged into DLA Piper and became a global legal giant. He thrived in high-profile litigation but always aspired to an in-house role, seeking deeper client integration and a better work-life balance. This aspiration led him to Rocket Fuel, an ad tech company where he was the second attorney hired shortly before its IPO. His role covered litigation, commercial transactions, and employment law, and he witnessed the company’s dramatic rise and eventual sale.

In January 2018, Mitchell joined Proterra. His role involved navigating the complex legal landscape of an evolving industry, leveraging his extensive litigation and commercial law experience. At Rocket Fuel and Proterra, Mitchell benefited from working for a General Counsel who provided invaluable mentoring and contributed significantly to his growth as an in-house lawyer.

Mitchell’s passion for debate remains strong outside of his professional life, often driving his friends and family nuts with his enthusiastic discussions. His early experiences and upbringing taught him to channel this passion effectively, shaping him into the accomplished legal professional he is today.